Altech Batteries advances German battery projects in March quarter as funding deadline nears Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock
Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC, OTC:ALTHF, FRA:A3Y) has reported progress across its battery technology portfolio, with its CERENERGY® sodium-chloride solid-state battery project securing conditional German Government grant approval and its Silumina Anodes™ R&D operations being relocated to Germany.
CERENERGY® project: grant approval secured, financial close now key
The company’s CERENERGY® project in Saxony, Germany, has received conditional binding approval for up to €46.11 million (AU$75,32M) under Germany’s federal STARK economic development program.
The grant would cover about 30% of eligible capital costs for Altech’s planned 120 MWh CERENERGY® battery manufacturing facility.
However, the funding remains conditional on the company reaching full project financial close by June 30, 2026, as well as parliamentary approval of the funds under Germany’s 2026 Federal Budget.
Managing director and CEO Daniel Raihani said the approval was a “major milestone” and materially de-risked the project’s capital structure.
“Securing conditional binding funding approval of up to €46.11 million under Germany’s STARK program is a major milestone for the CERENERGY® project. The support reflects the strategic importance of establishing advanced, non-lithium energy storage manufacturing capability in Europe and recognises the technical progress achieved to date in collaboration with Fraunhofer IKTS”.
“Importantly, the grant materially de-risks the project’s capital structure by covering approximately 30% of eligible investment costs and provides a strong foundation as we progress toward full project financing and construction of the planned 120 MWh production facility in Saxony, Germany.
“We remain focused on completing financial close by mid-2026 and advancing the CERENERGY® technology toward commercial deployment to support long-duration, safe and sustainable stationary energy storage solutions for the European market.”
Silumina Anodes™: R&D shifted closer to pilot plant
Altech has also moved to reposition its Silumina Anodes™ R&D laboratory from Perth to Germany, placing it closer to the company’s pilot plant in Saxony.
The company expects the move to support R&D test work, improve pilot plant operations and deliver cost benefits.
Silumina Anodes™ is Altech’s battery materials technology aimed at incorporating high-capacity silicon into lithium-ion batteries. The company says its internal R&D has delivered a 30% higher-energy battery with improved cyclability.
Altech has signed non-disclosure agreements with major automotive companies in Germany and the US for prospective customer testing of commercial samples.
Technology leadership strengthened
As part of the German repositioning, Altech has appointed Dr Luise Bloi as chief technology officer.
Dr Bloi has battery-sector experience with Skeleton Technologies, ACC Automotive Cells Company and the Fraunhofer Institute, Altech’s joint venture partner for the CERENERGY® project.
Kerrigan licence surrendered
Altech has surrendered Exploration Licence 70/4718, held through wholly owned subsidiary Canning Coal Pty Ltd.
The Kerrigan licence was considered non-core, and the company expects the surrender to reduce operating costs.
Cash position
At quarter-end, Altech held A$1.379 million in cash and cash equivalents, with estimated funding available for 1.48 quarters.
The company said it was focused on securing strategic partners able to contribute capital, technical resources and market access to advance CERENERGY® and Silumina Anodes™ toward commerciality.