10 key learnings from our Batteries for… Defence webinar

Building on the successful launch of the Cross-Sector Battery Systems Innovation Network, we are running a webinar series that looks into the opportunities and trends for Batteries in Defence, Maritime and Rail. Each session will bring together experts looking at the supply and demand side for batteries, technical requirements and explore how these wide range of sectors can decarbonise through batteries.

The need for batteries is very diverse across multiple end-use sectors. We are starting out with exploring the innovations and opportunities in these three sectors first, but will explore other sectors of interest, based on feedback from the community.

During the first session, attendees heard from two expert speakers – Darren Browning (DSTL) and Bethan Warby (BAE Systems) – who spoke about the technical requirements of batteries within the defence sector and presented use-case scenarios of new battery solutions. A Q&A session followed the presentations which offered great insight into the challenges faced; requirements and functionality of solutions; and the research going into this space.

10 key takeaways:

• Batteries are important catalysts for many defence capabilities – there is a huge growth in the need for power and electrification.
• The need within defence crosses many other sectors as well. For example, hybrid land, maritime and aero vehicles, energy storage and unmanned vehicles and soldier systems.
• Defence values some parameters higher. For example, wider temperature ranges for storage and operation (e.g. -20°C to +70°C), weight vs volume, cost of battery vs cost of platform.
• Defence could adopt an emerging technology faster, before mainstream adoption.
• There is a strong export market with keen interest from NATO and International Defence and a willingness to work with non-defence initiatives to explore relevant applications.
• There are systems developed and being developed which allows phased up-take of electrification.
• The merging of battery chemistries into composite materials, allows for storage of electric energy and recharging via renewable resources
• The main requirements are: Safety, Renewability, Weight vs Volume.
• Submarines have historically used lead acid and nickel metal hybrid batteries; however, it is possible for innovative batteries to be used in the future.
• The Net Zero agenda is driving the need for increased ship energy efficiency and demand for on-board energy storage.

Watch the recording now and don’t miss our next sessions on Maritime (10/02) and Rail (17/03).