LiNa Energy
Advancing the development of safer, more sustainable battery technology
The challenge
Industries are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and rationalise natural resources and potentially harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, growing demand for better energy storage systems is pushing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology – the current gold standard – to its limits.
Electric vehicles, renewable energy providers, and energy-intensive sectors such as building, transport, and manufacturing all demand scaled-up energy storage solutions. Safety issues and heat build-up means that stacking Li-ion batteries together is not an option. And the laws of physics preclude squeezing greater energy into increasingly smaller housings. Another problem with Li-ion batteries is the rising cost of cobalt – a key ingredient.
CPI worked with SME LiNa Energy and Lancaster University to develop LiNa Energy’s novel sodium-metal-chloride (Na-MTL-Cl) battery technology. Made without lithium or cobalt, this innovative approach promises more efficient, safer, and sustainable modular energy storage that overcomes the technical and physical limits of current battery technologies.
![](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/MicrosoftTeams-image-92.png?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671039601&s=116b7ee7385566425fe8370d568e7384 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/MicrosoftTeams-image-92.png?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671039601&s=c3ddd0bbf13a1de2964a6afb74845d44 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/MicrosoftTeams-image-92.png?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671039601&s=d3f4642a20c17a93c18e071f64c49d71 960w)
““I am delighted with the outcomes of our collaboration with CPI. This project has advanced our Na-MTL-Cl battery technology, demonstrating its enormous potential to decarbonise automotive transport and provide efficient and effective energy storage solutions.””
![Gene Lewis Gene Lewis](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/gene-lewis-Lina-energy.jpg?w=100&h=100&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1675084557&s=aa3f4e7697bb57bcd60fd09e989cd0c2)
How CPI helped
- Contributed advanced knowledge in hydrometallurgical separation methods.
- Developed tailored inks and quality control methods.
- Optimised layering techniques to deliver longer, safer battery life, cycling, and charging.
- Investigated low-cost components and modular design to enable simpler, lower-cost recycling.
- Leveraged local and national networks to raise LiNa Energy’s visibility and showcase its solutions to industry, funding organisations, and investors.
![](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=f0309dbb641cf360cb696fb1a6a2b9a5 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=04e64465697e2b0eecb63bcc9b7f82db 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=2240&h=1260&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=61988f7053c4661dabd59ee9ff892b82 2240w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=597e20157ee9ed0d5b8157dc7c53bbaf 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=0efe9ce7e9d019fbd373fa13c8f450dd 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=393e037bf052d4f270915b5829dcd53d 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191107CPI-Coxon-Building-Stock-Images_083.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1671040216&s=9c866ee6fc488bff8b54f4f4e1eba3ed 960w)
Achievements
- Created a 1 kWh demonstrator.
- Accelerated the Na-MTL-Cl battery from technology readiness level (TRL) 5 to the prototype stage (TRL6).
Impact
We helped LiNa Energy prove that its Na-MTL-CI battery is a workable and scalable alternative to Li-ion batteries, which is comparable in performance and cost-competitive. The technology has the potential to decarbonise automotive transport and to provide effective batteries for industrial and commercial users worldwide.
The partnership has also cemented LiNa Energy’s credentials as a market-changer in greener energy storage and diffusion in the UK and beyond.
The next step is to pilot, scale-up, and commercialise a mid-sized battery ideal for behind-the-meter installation.
Partners
![LiNa Energy](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/logos/Lina-Energy-Logo-2.jpeg?w=400&h=139&q=100&fm=png&fit=crop&dm=1632733259&s=8caa3ef7236e8b205a0042fbff8b7b93)
Related
Technologies
Markets
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