New battery technologies have often been positioned as a hedge against lithium’s price volatility. However, growing concerns over the drawbacks of lithium - such as limited global availability, environmentally harmful extraction methods, and challenges in disposal and recycling – are providing a much broader push for alternative solutions.
In 2018, Dr. Mylad Chamoun, now CTO of Enerpoly, explored critical solutions enabling the viability of zinc-ion batteries at Stockholm University. He later co-founded Enerpoly with Dr. Samer Nameer and Eloisa de Castro. Enerpoly is a deep-tech company specializing in the development of patented zinc-ion battery cells and packs for stationary energy storage. Their technology offers significant advantages, including a reduction in cell costs compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and a 70 percent decrease in carbon emissions.
In an interview with Dr. Mylad Chamoun, we will learn more about this innovative battery technology and gain his insights into current trends and challenges in the energy storage sector.
A zinc-ion battery is a rechargeable electrochemical battery that utilizes Zn²⁺ ions as the charge carrier. During charging and discharging, these ions move between the electrodes to enable efficient energy storage. The battery features a zinc metal anode, a host material on the cathode, and a water-based electrolyte optimized for high ionic conductivity and extended battery lifespan. A key technological focus is the suppression of zinc dendrite formation and hydrogen gas evolution, which enhances battery safety and longevity. Additionally, our patented cathode material further improves the overall performance, making the technology more reliable and efficient.
We chose the zinc-ion technology because it allows us to leverage the supply chains of primary AA and AAA alkaline batteries to develop rechargeable energy storage solutions. Alkaline batteries have been the dominant single-use battery technology for the past 70 years, which provided us a strong foundation for scalability and manufacturing.
Another key factor in our decision was the ability to utilize abundant and locally sourced materials within Europe to ensure a secure and sustainable supply chain. We selected zinc and manganese dioxide as core materials that unlocked a promising electrochemical potential that would align well with the requirements of the stationary energy storage market, offering competitive energy density and lifetime.
Project developers and users should choose zinc-ion batteries because they offer a sustainable and reliable energy storage solution that addresses critical market needs, such as grid stabilization, backup power, and support for critical infrastructure.
One of the key advantages of zinc-ion technology is its inherently safe chemistry, which eliminates the risk of fire or thermal runaway. This significantly reduces production and installation costs by reducing the need for complex safety systems. The non-flammable and non-toxic nature of the battery also makes it ideal for deployment in urban-dense environments, essential infrastructure, and even hazardous or potentially explosive areas where safety is paramount.
Zinc-ion batteries are highly cost-effective and offer one of the lowest levelized costs of storage among all battery technologies. This affordability opens up new opportunities for energy storage in applications that were previously considered economically unfeasible. Our batteries are maintenance-free, so project developers could reduce both logistical challenges and long-term financial burdens.
Another major advantage is the full local manufacturability. Zinc-ion batteries can be produced globally using existing supply chains, which strengthens energy security and minimizes risks associated with geopolitical trade issues, such as import tariffs. By prioritizing responsible sourcing and recyclability, our zinc-ion technology aligns with sustainability goals, meeting the environmental standards expected by end users.
Several key trends currently shape the energy storage landscape in Europe. Firstly, there is a growing demand for lower-cost energy storage solutions, as measured in euros per kilowatt-hour (€/kWh). This is essential for enabling medium- to long-duration energy storage, which plays a critical role in stabilizing the grid and integrating renewable energy sources.
Secondly, there is a strong movement toward the localization of production. European countries are increasingly focused on developing domestic supply chains to enhance energy security and reduce dependency on imports. This trend is driven by both geopolitical considerations and a desire for greater control over critical materials and technologies. That is why we at Enerpoly established a megafactory in Stockholm, which will be supported by a fully European supply chain. We are targeting 100 MWh of annual production at this facility by 2026.
Another trend is the rising interest in alternative battery technologies that rely on abundant and readily available materials. These alternatives offer significant supply chain benefits, such as lower price volatility and improved sustainability through more responsible sourcing practices.
Safety is also becoming a central concern. Across the energy storage value chain, stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on reducing fire risks, which accounts for added safety-related costs in the design and deployment of storage systems.
Finally, the global standardization of large-scale battery energy storage systems, driven in part by major manufacturers in Asia, does influence how projects are developed in Europe. These standards are informing practices related to overall system design, system interoperability, integration and procurement.
The need for energy storage in Europe is becoming increasingly evident. Recently, we have seen an increasing frequency of negative energy prices and overall market volatility. This trend is largely due to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, which is outpacing the deployment of sufficient energy storage capacity needed to balance supply and demand effectively.
However, there are significant challenges hindering the growth and scalability of energy storage.There is a clear need for stronger policy momentum at both the EU and national levels to recognize and support the critical role of energy storage in ensuring grid stability, enabling renewable energy integration, and achieving broader decarbonization goals. However, progress has been rather slow, and more decisive action is required to unlock the full potential of storage technologies. Additionally, current regulatory frameworks often lack clarity when it comes to classifying energy storage assets. Combined with complex and time-consuming permitting processes, this creates barriers to the large-scale deployment of storage systems across the region.
From an economic perspective, Europe also faces challenges in scaling domestic battery production and energy storage deployments due to the lack of substantial subsidies and a limited pool of risk-tolerant investors. In contrast, other regions benefit from stronger financial incentives, a more active investor ecosystem and deeper capital pools. As a result, European battery production and energy storage projects struggle to attract investment and access innovative new financing models, hindering their potential.