Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are in red-hot demand worldwide, due in part to the explosive growth of wind and solar projects. Despite the demand, today’s lithium-ion batteries – so instrumental in the mass adoption of electric vehicles – have proven less than ideal for use in larger applications.

“We need sustainable battery alternatives to power the green energy transition,” says Sagmo.

ZNL Energy provides zinc-ion battery cell technology for stationary energy storage. Applications range from home energy storage to industrial-scale projects, including renewable energy. The technology uses abundant, recyclable, sustainable and fireproof materials, resulting in a high-quality, low-cost battery that meets all market requirements.

“We are positioned in the battery industry as a technology provider for battery cell manufacturers,” says Sagmo. “Our mission is to provide alternatives to current battery technologies that not only advance the industry, but that drive sustainability within the industry.”

In addition, ZNL’s solution incorporates an efficient, state-of-the-art manufacturing method.

“Our technology is based on 11 years of R&D. We license out our technology in a ‘battery technology as a service’ model, and our customers receive the latest developments as part of the licensing agreement,” he says.

ZNL’s zinc-ion batteries represent a major technological advancement and offer huge advantages over current battery cell technology. They deliver 50 per cent better energy density than conventional zinc-ion batteries and cost 50 per cent less per kWh than their lithium-ion counterparts. This is crucial for advancing energy storage for renewable energy projects.

In addition, zinc-ion cells use abundant minerals. “We don’t need to rely anymore on cobalt mines in the DRC, for instance, that use child labour,” notes Sagmo. The materials are highly recyclable as well, increasing circularity within the battery ecosystem.

The global energy storage market is expected to increase 15-fold by 2030. “ZNL Energy could very well become a tech unicorn. The market potential is mind-blowing,” says Sagmo.

ZNL targets mature battery manufacturers that want to diversify their portfolios. “The US market for zinc-ion batteries looks especially promising due to the growth of renewable energy projects there. We estimate that market to be valued at USD 32 billion. The growth in California alone is almost scary,” he adds.

Established in 2021, ZNL Energy delivers two synergistic battery cell technologies. In addition to the zinc-ion technology described here, the company has developed ZNL-NP15, a fire-resistant PPS battery separator for use in lithium-ion batteries. Both technologies use the same manufacturing methods and equipment.