Britishvolt extends R&D deal with University of Warwick
Britishvolt has extended its contract with WMG, University of Warwick, to develop battery cell technologies and accelerate the route to market, in a multi-million-pound deal. Following an initial 12-month project, Britishvolt and WMG are now embarking on a two-year programme of work.
Researchers of WMG, an academic department at the University of Warwick, will assist with battery cell development and optimisation. The goals include small-scale manufacturing to produce battery electrodes and cells using “Britishvolt target materials sets, formulations and cell designs,” so the company.
Which materials these are is left open in today’s communication. However, Britishvolt reportedly also works with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) to further its cells with high nickel content.
It is also unclear, how much the contract is worth to Warwick.
For working with WMG, Britishvolt states it was “delighted to extend and expand our relationship and programme of work” which had “directly, and positively, supported our battery technology development programme.”
Under the extended contract, WMG says it will test the new cells according to Britishvolt’s agreed protocols.
The company claims the project would also accelerate Britishvolt’s business plan to deliver a 38GWh “Gigaplant” in the UK – enough cells each year over 300,000 electric vehicle battery packs, says Britishvolt.
The company, in June 2021, had decided on a 95-hectare site, formerly the location of the Blyth Power Station. It will use renewable energy, including perhaps hydroelectric power generated in Norway and transmitted 447 miles via the world’s longest inter-connector from the North Sea Link project. The cable will come out of the North Sea at Blyth, Northumberland.
Also, in today’s update, Britishvolt linked back to plans for a scale-up production centre at Hams Hall, West Midlands, announced only this May. Together with the above Gigaplant, the company says it was creating a “‘Battery Corridor’ – linking the Northumberland site with the UK’s automotive heartland.” Plus, UKBIC’s 18,500 square metre research facility is also in the West Midlands.
0 Comments