A significant milestone for the UK’s domestic battery industry has been achieved with the creation of the first cylindrical sodium-ion cell made entirely from local materials. Developed through a partnership between energy storage firm Batri and Swansea University, the 18650-format cell incorporates innovative components, including a composite carbon anode derived from Welsh coal. This breakthrough, supported by the Faraday Institution, demonstrates the potential for a self-sufficient battery supply chain within the United Kingdom and marks a crucial step in developing alternatives to conventional lithium-ion technologies.
The collaboration successfully integrated chemistries developed by both Batri and the university into the popular 18650 cell format. Stephen Hughes, Batri’s chief technical officer, described the achievement as a “strategic milestone.” He emphasized that the project “proves that sovereign battery production is viable and already happening here in Wales,” highlighting the use of fully UK-manufactured anode and cathode materials as a key success. The project received backing from the Faraday Institution through its sprint funding program, which was instrumental in the development, testing, and integration of the domestic materials.
This demonstration cell is just the beginning of a more extensive development program. Batri has already begun producing more cells as it scales up its material manufacturing and in-house cell assembly capabilities in Wales. The company is collaborating with partners like AceOn Group to incorporate the new sodium-ion cells into practical applications, such as swappable battery packs and custom energy systems. Mark Thompson, CEO of AceOn Group, confirmed his company’s commitment to the next phase, which will involve integrating the cells into modular, scalable solutions.
Thompson noted that “Batri’s UK-made 18650 breakthrough, backed by Swansea’s world-class materials science, shows the UK can lead in safe, robust alternatives to lead-acid and entry-grade lithium.” Central to the collaboration has been the establishment of local material supply chains. A key area of research has focused on utilizing anthracite, a form of hard coal, to create high-performance carbonaceous anodes, showcasing an innovative use for a traditional Welsh resource in next-generation energy storage.