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U.S. Navy to Expand Battery Production

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:20:10 GMT

Æsir Technologies, Inc., has been awarded a Firm-Fixed-Price Contract from BlueForge Alliance

We are honored to be selected by the Navy to increase our production capacity for this critical technology”

— Randy Moore

JOPLIN, MO, UNITED STATES, January 17, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Æsir Technologies , Inc., a leading provider of advanced battery solutions, has been awarded a Firm-Fixed-Price Contract from BlueForge Alliance to expand its production capacity capabilities around the advanced 1,100 Ah Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) Battery Cell that provides improved high-rate performance and long cycle life, intended for use in subsurface naval applications. This expansion will increase production capabilities significantly to meet the Navy ’s shipbuilding demands.

To accommodate this growth, Æsir will obtain state-of-the-art equipment and expand its Joplin manufacturing facility footprint. The company will also undergo a rigorous qualification process to ensure that the Large-Format NiZn Battery Cells produced with the new equipment will meet the stringent standards required by the U.S. Navy.

“We are honored to be selected by the Navy to increase our production capacity for this critical technology,” said Randy Moore, CEO at Æsir. “This expansion will not only benefit the Navy but also position Æsir as an industry leader in advanced Nickel-Zinc battery solutions.”

This strategic partnership between Æsir and the Navy will enhance operational capabilities by providing a reliable supply of high-performance batteries.

Vedanta Nico and AEsir Technologies Partner to Revolutionize EV Battery Technology with Nickel-Zinc Batteries

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:02:09 GMT

Vedanta Nico signs MoU with AEsir Technologies to advance critical infrastructure, 5G telecom and EV battery charging technology using Nickel-Zinc solutions.

Vedanta Nico to be the preferred supplier of nickel, essential for AEsir's next-generation batteries.
Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta's sister company, to play a supportive role in the collaboration.
Battery Grade Materials, Æsir’s sister company, will support the production of nickel hydroxide and the recycling of batteries for the nickel zinc technology.

Cuncolim, Goa, 23rd July 2024 : Vedanta Nico, India’s sole nickel producer, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AEsir Technologies, Inc., a US-based innovator in advanced battery technologies. This collaboration aims to develop and commercialize cutting-edge Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) batteries for critical infrastructure, 5G telecom and electric vehicle chargers(EVC), positioning both companies at the forefront of the global shift towards sustainable energy.

Under the MoU, Vedanta Nico will be the preferred supplier of nickel, a critical component in AEsir Technologies’ next-generation batteries. Nickel-Zinc batteries promise substantial advantages over current battery technologies, including higher energy density, power, enhanced cost efficiency, rapid charging and superior performance, making them ideal for the rapidly growing energy storage market.

Nickel plays a crucial role in EV battery chargingtechnology, particularly in the cathode, where it enhances energy density, power output, and battery lifespan. Nickel-rich batteries, such as Nickel-Zinc variants, offer best in class fast charging, reduce reliance on cobalt, and improve overall EV value proposition. The global demand for nickel in batteries is projected to surge from 150,000 tonnes in 2020 to 500,000 tonnes by 2025, driven by the expanding EV market adoption. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that the number of electric cars will rise from over 10 million in 2020 to 145 million by 2030, spurred by larger battery capacities, faster charging and advancements in reducing cobalt use.

Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of Vedanta Limited and a sister company of Vedanta Nico, and the world’s second-largest zinc producer, will support this collaboration. Hindustan Zinc's expertise in sustainable mining practices and commitment to a low-carbon future align perfectly with the objectives of this partnership, strengthening the supply chain for AEsir Technologies' Nickel-Zinc batteries.

Prashuk Jain, COO – Vedanta Nico , highlighted the significance of the collaboration with AEsir Technologies, stating, “ We are thrilled to partner with AEsir Technologies to create a game-changing battery solution for the critical infrastructure, 5G telecom and EV fast chargingmarket. Our expertise in nickel production, coupled with AEsir’s innovative zinc battery technology, positions us to deliver a product that meets the evolving needs of the industry. This collaboration aligns with our vision of contributing to a sustainable future through responsible mining and value-added products. ”

This groundbreaking collaboration demonstrates Vedanta Nico's crucial role in catering to the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions by being an active contributor of critical raw materials for the development of emerging clean technologies. As the world pivots towards a greener future, this partnership with AEsir Technologies portends far-reaching implications for innovative energy storage solutions that promise a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow.

Adding his views, Randy Moore, CEO & Co-Founder of AEsir Technologies, said, “ Energy storage is at the forefront of innovation in the energy transition. Nickel-Zinc batteries represent a low-cost, sustainable, safe alternative to lead acid and lithium in the markets we serve. Our collaboration with Vedanta Nico provides critical raw material for the development of these next-gen batteries, supporting our commitment to sustainability. ”

This partnership marks a significant step towards advancing battery technology and underscores Vedanta Nico and AEsir Technologies' commitment to driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

Celgard and AEsir Technologies Form Strategic Alliance

etorres@brandiversity.com (Eric Torres) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 21:38:19 GMT

Driving Industry Innovation in Nickel-Zinc, Zinc-Air and Lithium-Zinc Batteries

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 29, 2024 – Celgard, LLC (Celgard), a subsidiary of Polypore International, LLC (Polypore), is pleased to announce a newly formed Alliance with Æsir Technology, Inc. (Æsir), a leading manufacturing company that specializes in developing next-generation Nickel-Zinc battery technology. This chemistry offers a stable cost-effective recyclable option with energy density in

between lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, making it an ideal choice for many applications.

Together, Celgard and Æsir will collaborate on joint research projects to further develop high-technology next-generation Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn), Zinc-Air (Zn-Air) and Lithium-Zinc (Li-Zn) andSodium-Zinc (Na-Zn) batteries used primarily in aviation, data centers, telecom, energy infrastructure and electric vehicle (EV) charging applications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Celgard will supply 100% of Æsir’s battery separators for current applications as well as future needs for a new battery gigafactory that is planned for 2024 to initially service the data center and 5G telecom markets. Celgard will also be positioned to offer separator products to future Ni-Zn and Li-Zn Æsir licensees or joint ventures.

Dave Wilkins, Æsir’s chairman and chief technology officer, said: “Celgard provides a special ‘Technology-Enabling’ separator that is integral to Æsir’s Ni-Zn performance, and we are excited towork closely with them to further drive innovation in our industry, ” and Stefan Reinartz, Celgard’s vice president of lithium-ion EDV and ESS added the following: “Celgard looks forward to advancing next-generation Ni-Zn technology with Æsir that is critical to energy storage systems and powering communities by continuing to be at the center of membrane separator innovation.” Additionally, Asahi Kasei, Polypore and Celgard’s parent company, may further support the Ni-Zn supply chain through its widely diversified manufacturing base and Æsir will evaluate component supply opportunities for items such as plastic battery packs and thermal retardant materials that couldfurther benefit the Ni-Zn supply chain and industry.

About Celgard and Polypore

Celgard specializes in solvent-free, coated and uncoated, dry-process microporous membranes used

as separators that are a major component of lithium-ion batteries. Celgard's battery separator

technology is important to the performance of lithium-ion batteries for electric drive vehicles, energy

storage systems and other applications.

Celgard, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polypore International, LLC, an Asahi Kasei Company.

Polypore is a global company with facilities in nine countries specializing in microporous membranes

used in electric and nonelectric vehicles, energy storage systems and specialty applications.

Visit www.celgard.com and www.polypore.com.

About Æsir Technologies, Inc.

Æsir Technologies, Inc. specializes in developing next-generation Ni-Zn battery technologies that

utilize sustainable, non-toxic materials that can be safely and easily recycled. Æsir was incorporated

in 2011 and has a research and development facility in Bozeman, Montana and a production facility

in Joplin, Missouri. Æsir has numerous contracts for Ni-Zn batteries with the Department of Defense

and installed the first Ni-Zn batteries in a data center, which have been operating successfully for over

The Right Chemistry

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:09:27 GMT

Nickel-zinc batteries promise to fill the performance gap of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Craig Wilkins, president and CEO of Battery Grade Materials, explains how.

The energy storage sector has always relied on lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries but evolving technology has exposed gaps in the performance of these batteries over the past few years. Lead-acid batteries have been known to fall short on capacity, power, and life as more consumers seek longer run times in smaller packages. Lithium-ion packs on the other hand, have proved to be costly requiring nothing lower than $200/kwh, mostly stemming from the advanced operations needed to make these batteries. Moreover, fires due to lithium-ion batteries have raised questions on their safety too.

A new alternative

With the total market for batteries in the energy storage sector expected to reach 2.5TWh by 2030, there is room for more players and chemistries to fill the gap left by the two most used battery chemistries today, giving rise to unique chemistries like nickel-zinc.

Craig Wilkins, president and CEO of Battery Grade Materials, a company that produces nickel-zinc batteries makes the case for these batteries. “Zinc batteries are the best story around energy storage and sustainability,” he says, adding that zinc is one of those unique materials where the benefits outweigh the challenges.

Speaking at the International Zinc Association’s Zinc Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona in March, Wilkins noted some of these benefits. “Zinc is a low-cost resource, is globally abundant, has high density, which is perfect for battery performance grades, is safe and most importantly easily and cost-effectively recyclable through low energy processes.

It is these benefits that led AeSir Technologies, where Wilkins is also the CFO, carve out Battery Grade Materials (BG Materials) to develop nickel-zinc battery technology that uses recycled materials. The realization came when “we were about to announce our first gigafactory in the United States and faced the challenge of procuring raw materials at the levels we were going to need to supply the factory’s production,” says Wilkins.

He adds that nickel metal hydride, which forms the base chemistry of these batteries was never at the commercial scale that AeSir intended to be, which resulted in a very few suppliers. “BG was really spun out with the vision of supporting AeSir and its licensee partners with the raw materials needed to construct nickel zinc batteries.”

BG is also developing new technologies and processes to make the recycling of zinc and nickel for their batteries a low-carbon one. “We want to make our product sustainable and that not only includes buying raw material that comes from sustainable mining, but also staying away from high heat smelting processes that consume a lot of energy,” Wilkins explains. “We have taken a new approach in metallurgical processes to reduce that carbon footprint because our end-customers, who consist of data centres and telecom companies demand it.”

Competing chemistries

Still, lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are formidable competitors. The former’s demand is not only growing in the end-consumer segment but also for electric vehicles (EVs). Wilkins concedes that these chemistries have been wildly successful and remain the most used battery packs for the energy storage sector too. “However, we believe there’s no one perfect battery for every application, especially with technology evolving at such a fast pace,” he notes.

Giving the example of automobiles and cell phones, he says that if one wants the power to go from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, lithium is the right battery, if you want to build a cell phone, then powerful lithium is a great technology. But because it is commercially viable and technologically advanced, companies have tried to put it everywhere—even in applications where other chemistries are more viable.

“There’s no one perfect battery for every application,” Wilkins opines. “While lithium might be great for many applications, companies forget that like other metals it is a finite resource. As the market demand grows there will be a scarcity of reserves. That is where we want to be a better purveyor of resource allocation for certain battery technologies that fit in one spot and not the other.”

This is where, he feels nickel-zinc batteries could be the disruptor. “We have lead-acid batteries on one end of the batteries spectrum and lithium-ion on the other. Nickel-zinc fits right in the middle. It is a great industrial battery that does not create fire issues, has a lower cost of producing than the other two chemistries, and can carry twice the energy density and last twice as long,” Wilkins says.

Chemistry consumption of nickel-zinc batteries

*SEE TABLE BELOW

Accepting the alternative

However, the acceptance of nickel-zinc batteries has also come with its own set of challenges. “Everyone has known for a long time that nickel-zinc is a high-powered battery, but it had lifecycle issues because of the type of zinc anodes being used for the zinc chemistry,” Wilkins says. “No one dedicated efforts on fixing this flaw and AeSir was founded to find an answer to this issue.”

He adds that as a zinc-based batteries company, AeSir dedicated three years perfecting their zinc anode chemistries and once that was accomplished, they moved to nickel to make these batteries commercially viable.

Today, the company is tackling the challenge of unsustainable mining, which, according to Wilkins is the more pressing issue that can impact supply chains in the long term.

“The supply chain issues over the past two years really relate to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wilkins observes. “At that time, for example, the supply time for LG Chem to ship batteries to data centres went from three months to nine months, but those lag times are reducing. Lead-acid batteries that were on a six-month backlog are now at two months. These issues were more related to labour than raw supply issues.”

However, with the number of battery gigafactories planned over the next two years, he explains, the amount of raw materials consumption coming out of the earth is certainly going to create supply chain issues. “Everyone right now is going to the easiest resource and that is chopping up the earth to get as much metal out of the ground for significant kickbacks. Eventually there will be a public outcry against these practices, which is why it is necessary to seek that balance now, rather than later,” Wilkins says.

Still, the need for batteries is set to grow exponentially over the next few years and the industry needs to be ready for it. “Our long term objective should be to seamlessly transition into the electron economy and to achieve great innovation in this space we must have a catalyst,” he says.

Wilkins views the energy storage space as that catalyst. “Energy storage is not only going to be here for a long time, but we will see exponential growth regardless of electric cars taking that 50pc of the automotive industry; there is just that much demand coming from other sectors.”

Recycling plays its part

Recycling will play an important role in the battery space regardless of the chemistry. Although, Wilkins hopes to see the carbon-footprint of high heat smelters that are currently used for lead recycling, reduce as more chemistries come into play.

He believes that moving forward recycling, or urban mining as many call it, is going to be the most critical area to extract metals and reprocess them to battery grade material. “I don’t want to just recycle material, but rather reprocess material that is battery grade, simply because as battery makers and recyclers we are required by end-consumers to ensure that material used in batteries will come back into the battery supply chain, rather than being used elsewhere.”

He concludes that if one can cost-effectively pull battery-grade material through a closed loop system, there will be enough to support the envisaged growth in this sector as recycling will help the matter circle back on itself.

AEsir Technologies Announces Partnership with Eramen Minerals, Inc.

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:49:27 GMT

Aesir Technologies and Manila's Eramen Minerals partnership is to construct 1.5 GWh Nickel Zinc batteries in the Philippines.

Æsir Technologies is pleased to announce a partnership with Eramen Minerals (EMI) located in Manilla, Philippines to construct a 1.5 GWh Nickel Zinc (NiZn) battery manufacturing facility in the Philippines. The partnership will represent a vertically integrated business leveraging the abundant nickel reserves in the region to produce a battery-grade nickel hydroxide to supply the battery manufacturing plant. In announcing their Letter of Intent, Eramen Minerals President, Enrique Fernandez noted Æsir Technologies leadership and reputation within the power industry and their development of cutting edge NiZn batteries for data centers , critical infrastructure, aerospace and defense industries.

Randy Moore, CEO of Æsir Technologies stated, “our discussions initially focused on building a nickel hydroxide plant to support our US-based battery factory. Those talks quickly moved to constructing a battery plant in the Philippines to support the ASEAN region which allows the country to export a value-added technology through a vertically integrated supply chain.”

Eramen Minerals is a leader in the nickel mining industry with operations situated in Sta. Cruz and Candelaria, Zambales, covering 4,620.hectares (11,400 acres). EMI’s current annual production is between 600,000 to 1.5 Million wet metric tons. The partnership between Æsir and EMI will consist of a nickel hydroxide processing plant located on the Zambales mine site and a NiZn battery plant located in Manila. The combined projects will bring over $180M in investment into the Philippines and support over 1.5 gigawatt hours of energy storage production.

Enrique Fernandez, President of EMI said “energy storage is at the forefront of every major innovation in the renewable energy and transportation sectors. This partnership allows the Philippines to support these advancements in technology and become a key player in transformation of energy storage.

“Manila’s rise as an innovation and technology hub in the Asia Pacific region continues to grow through government incentives and corporate investments.”

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"Eramen Minerals Letter of Intent is another milestone for Æsir Technologies," said Randy Moore, CEO of Æsir Technologies. “The Asia Pacific region continues to grow as a technology and innovation hub and we are beyond excited to partner with Eramen Minerals in helping the Philippines lead the way.”

The Philippines ranked as the number one “Digital Riser” in East Asia and the Pacific, propelled by government initiatives such as the Innovative Startup Act of 2019, the Startup Venture Fund, the Startup Grant Fund, and the Philippine Startup Development Program. The partnership strategy between Eramen Minerals and Æsir Technologies ifocuses on the establishment of ad\ vertically integrated battery production facility to support growth within the region.

AESIR TECHNOLOGIES Receives UL1989 Certification

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:39:51 GMT

JOPLIN, Missouri-- Æsir Technologies is pleased to announce that it has received UL1989 certification from CSA ( www.csagroup.org ) on its NiZn battery technology for standby battery use in energy storage solutions. This milestone represents another step for Æsir Technologies in its development of superior power solutions for data centers and further confirms the safety, reliability, and sustainability of its data center battery technology.

“UL1989 certification demonstrates our commitment to safety and risk reduction within the data center marketplace”

"UL1989 certification represents an important milestone for us," said Randy Moore, CEO of Æsir Technologies.

Power reliability and sustainability for data centers are at the forefront of developing power technologies. To receive UL1989 certification for safety standby batteries along with our UL94V2 flammability rating demonstrates to our data center partners that Æsir Technologies is committed to safety while providing robust power solutions.

About The CSA Group

CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good, and sustainability. They are a leader in Standards Development and Testing, Inspection, and Certification around the world including Canada, The United States, Europe, and Asia. Their mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.

About Æsir Technologies

Æsir Technologies, Inc.'s mission is to develop revolutionary, high-performance batteries that are safe, environmentally responsible, sustainable, and economical. Today, Æsir is leveraging decades of research in zinc battery technology with the latest advances in material sciences and combining them with Æsir proprietary innovations including Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries and Rechargeable Nickel Zinc Battery technologies.