VanadiS: Scaling Up Vanadium Solid-State Batteries for Energy Storage

Today, stationary energy storage is primarily based on lithium-ion batteries, which rely on critical raw materials that are not readily available in Sweden or Europe. This creates vulnerabilities in Europe’s access to strategically important battery technologies, particularly when export restrictions are introduced. MK Plus Sweden AB is developing a vanadium solid-state battery (VSB) that eliminates the need for lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper. Through the VanadiS project, the technology is being advanced from prototype to pilot scale, increasing its Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 5 to 7–8. RISE contributes through carbon material qualification, independent battery cell validation, life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA).

Together, the project partners are developing activated carbon materials produced from biochar supplied by Meva Energy, evaluating carbon black grades supplied by Imerys, developing dry-processed electrodes, and producing pilot-scale battery cells, and exploring strategies for industrialisation and market introduction. The project also includes methods for reuse and reactivation of battery cells at the end of their service life.

From Prototype to Pilot Scale

RISE leads the laboratory-scale development, optimisation and qualification of activated carbon using biochar supplied by Meva Energy. Pilot-scale production of activated carbon will be carried out in collaboration with Standard Bio. Imerys supplies carbon black materials for battery development, while MK Plus Sweden AB integrates the developed carbon materials into its VSB cells and evaluates their electrochemical performance. Activities include:

• Laboratory-scale development and optimisation of activated carbon using biochar supplied by Meva Energy
• Pilot-scale production of activated carbon in collaboration with Standard Bio
• Characterisation of activated carbon, including specific surface area, pore size, particle size distribution and purity
• Selection and evaluation of carbon black grades supplied by Imerys and optimisation of blends with activated carbon
• Development of target specifications for battery-grade carbon materials in collaboration with project partners
• Integration of developed carbon materials into VSB cells and evaluation of battery performance by MK Plus Sweden AB
• Independent evaluation of the performance, safety and reliability of pilot-produced battery cells
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of materials and battery cells

RISE Expertise in Batteries

RISE supports the entire battery value chain, from raw materials, material development and components to battery cells, modules, battery systems, testing, manufacturing, reuse and recycling. Our expertise includes material characterisation, process development, battery testing, safety, scale-up, life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis.