E.ON and Superdielectrics team up to develop a polymer-based battery aiming to cut costs and carbon for millions of UK homes.
E.ON , a leading energy provider, has joined forces with Cambridge-based Superdielectrics in a collaboration to advance the latter’s polymer-based battery technology. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and rollout of an innovative polymer-based energy storage solution that promises to deliver safer, cheaper, and cleaner power to millions of homes.
At the heart of the project is an advanced membrane material, similar to that used in contact lenses, which offers a more affordable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional battery systems.“We believe that our technology has the potential to revolutionise power generation and consumption and deliver enormous environmental and cost benefits to millions of people,” said Jim Heathcote, Chief Executive of Superdielectrics, in a statement. Polymer power breakthroughSuperdielectrics’ polymer membrane technology makes use of materials similar to those found in contact lenses. Developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Bristol, the aqueous polymer-based technology functions as a hybrid between a supercapacitor and a chemical battery, combining the strengths of both systems.Superdielectrics’ core technology is built on crosslinked hydrophilic polymers, forming a 3D matrix that provides strength and structural integrity. The ion-selective membrane enables both electrochemical and electrostatic energy storage. Composed largely of water and low-cost polymers, the material avoids the use of lithium, cadmium, or cobalt. While the exact composition remains undisclosed, the company has secured global protection through ten patent families.The company claims its system offers benefits in affordability, safety, and environmental impact. The materials used are said to be widely available, non-flammable, and easily recyclable. “Whether our approach is in-house or through partnerships, we’re always looking to come up with new ways to benefit our customers and to make new energy work for everyone. Superdielectrics’ technology could be a vital part of creating a cleaner, lower-cost energy future for everyone,” said Julian Lennertz, Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Next, in a statement.Sustainable storage solutionA demonstration unit known as the Faraday I, unveiled last year, is reported to charge fully in about 30 minutes and may offer a lifecycle comparable to or better than existing battery types.According to PV Magazine, despite these claims, Superdielectrics has not yet released detailed technical data. Key performance metrics such as energy density, power density, round-trip efficiency, degradation rates, and cost per kilowatt-hour remain undisclosed. Although the company states that its technology can match lithium-ion batteries in performance, independent validation and specifications are still pending.In early 2024, Superdielectrics reported a nine-fold increase in cell density over the past two years but did not provide baseline or current figures. The company also indicated that its technology could offer significant energy cost savings to UK households, though such estimates remain unverified projections.Superdielectrics is developing its polymer-based energy storage technology with the goal of giving consumers greater control over home energy use, lowering electricity bills, and reducing fuel poverty in the UK. Early trials suggest the system could offer significant cost savings for households while also cutting carbon emissions. With support from leading energy provider E.ON, which contributes valuable data from millions of domestic and commercial customers, including electric vehicle users, the company is refining its technology to meet growing demand for renewable energy storage. According to the firms, unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, the system also avoids reliance on mined minerals, aiming to deliver competitive performance with greater sustainability. The company continues to advance its platform and is currently working on major upgrades as it moves closer to commercial deployment. An announcement detailing key developments is expected later in 2025.
Battery E.ON Germany Lithium Lithium Batteries Membrane Superdielectrics Sustainability United Kingdom University Of Bristol
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
German Defense Contractor TKMS Predicts Market Tripling By End of DecadeThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a leading German warship builder, is witnessing a surge in market demand due to rising global defense spending. CEO Oliver Burkhard expects the company's market size to triple by the end of the decade, driven by momentum in areas like electronics, drones, surface vessels, and submarines.
Read more »
Inside the lab where BMW is making EVs even quieterThe German marque has installed all kinds of high-tech sound testing gear in Munich
Read more »
UK urges vigilance when traveling to US after German citizens detained at borderPolitical News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government
Read more »
German upper house of parliament OKs debt reform, half-trillion fundGermany's upper house of parliament on Friday passed a reform of the country's borrowing rules and a 500-billion-euro fund to revamp its infrastructure.
Read more »
German parliament's upper house gives final approval to huge defense and borrowing packageThe prospective next German government’s plans to enable higher defense spending by loosening strict debt rules and to set up a huge infrastructure fund that’s aimed at boosting Europe’s biggest economy have cleared their final parliamentary hurdle with approval by the upper house.
Read more »
Photos: Ben Böhmer Brings Electrifying Show to Mission Ballroom for His Bloom Live TourGerman-based DJ, Ben Böhmer, performed at Mission Ballroom for his Bloom Live Tour.
Read more »