Revolutionary Cutting-edge Technology Made in Germany
Interview with Uwe Ahrens, CEO of Altech Advanced Materials AG
Salt – in ancient times, this white gold was a precious commodity that brought wealth and power. Today, salt could play a crucial role in the energy transition. Especially when considering the megawatt batteries of Altech Advanced Materials AG from Heidelberg. Solid-state batteries for stationary use made of table salt, ceramics, and nickel – cutting-edge technology made in Germany with great potential.
Wirtschaftsforum: What should be the next steps?
Uwe Ahrens: CERENERGY holds enormous potential; unfortunately, the commercialization of this promising technology is hindered by insufficient funding and a very challenging economic environment. European investors are not as willing as those in the USA to invest in new technologies at an early stage. According to the Federal Network Agency, the costs for unused electricity, known as redispatch, amount to around 4 billion EUR. In this context, it is once again clear how important reliable storage systems are to balance peaks. Nonetheless, it is not made easy for us to go into production. Last but not least, we lack binding funding commitments.
Wirtschaftsforum: Why do you continue to stay in Germany despite these adverse conditions?
Uwe Ahrens: Nowhere else in the world could we have achieved this level of industrial development in this timeframe. The 'Made in Germany' quality label still enjoys an excellent reputation internationally.
Wirtschaftsforum: Are there any specific future plans?
Uwe Ahrens: Planned is the construction of a first facility, an open container with 18 battery packs. If banks and investors are on board, we want to build one gigafactory after another. Initially, we are focusing on Europe, then the USA will follow. We have the opportunity to become a world leader in technology, and we definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Ahrens, you are the managing director of Altech Advanced Materials AG. What does the company stand for?
Uwe Ahrens: Altech is primarily known for the CERENERGY solid salt battery, representing the missing link in the energy transition, for storage that balances peaks, stabilizes networks, and delivers power when it is needed. Renewable energies like solar and wind cannot guarantee this. Additionally, there is a second, very dynamically developing business area where we focus on innovative anode materials based on alumina.
Wirtschaftsforum: Thus, Altech develops both innovative and revolutionary battery technologies. How did that happen?
Uwe Ahrens: Originally, the company was called Altech Chemicals and dealt with high-purity alumina. These are ceramic raw materials used in the semiconductor and battery industry. From the beginning, there was a clear focus on green, holistic, sustainable energies. An important milestone was the collaboration with the renowned Fraunhofer IKTS Institute in Dresden, which is leading in the application of ceramics. The institute greatly valued the cooperation with Altech, our technically well-founded, decisive, fast, and entrepreneurial way of working.
This led to us being asked whether we would be interested in commercializing a battery technology that the institute had developed over the past eight years for more than 40 million EUR. Subsequently, a business case was developed, which was very positively received and eventually led in November 2022 to the establishment of Altech Batteries GmbH – a joint venture in which the Fraunhofer Society holds a 25% stake and the Altech Group 75%. This development was a huge vote of confidence for us, as Fraunhofer does not normally participate in joint ventures.
Wirtschaftsforum: What is the current status?
Uwe Ahrens: We have refined the battery concept in detail and in industrial production and developed the first fully automated industrialized line with an annual production capacity of 120 MWh. We are now continuing to work on optimization, aiming to reduce costs, and are implementing financing for the planned project in Schwarze Pumpe, Saxony. We have already acquired the required industrial site.
Wirtschaftsforum: Let's go back to the actual product, the battery. What is special about CERENERGY?
Uwe Ahrens: We are building a stationary battery for use in the energy transition that works and is absolutely competitive. It has been built as a prototype for seven years and has been thoroughly tested. Since June, there is the first finished industrial prototype. Our battery embodies German cutting-edge technology, can be manufactured in Germany, is made of table salt, ceramic, and nickel, and therefore consists of raw materials that we can source directly in Germany; this makes us independent of third countries. Moreover, the raw materials are significantly more environmentally friendly compared to the otherwise usual cobalt, graphite, or lithium. The battery is non-flammable and maintains its full capacity over its entire lifecycle; we are talking about more than 15 years here.