The new infrastructure will allow the existing expertise in materials science to be brought to the next level by enabling battery prototyping at scale.
The University of Limerick has today (8 July) announced the launch of the National Rechargeable Battery Fabrication and Test Facility in an event at the UL Bernal Institute, in Limerick.
The facility will create the materials for more sustainable, energy efficient batteries, enabling the manufacturing of different types of batteries and bridging the gap between research and production, while still maintaining industry standards.
Co-funded by SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) and SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), the new facility will give Irish researchers more opportunities to lead and partner on key European projects focused on batteries.
By enabling simultaneous research on standard lithium-ion models and less conventional energy storage technologies, the facility can future-proof with regard to developments in alternative battery chemistry.
The facility has the University of Limerick strategically positioned to be the European focal point for the research of next-generation batteries. By combining electrode fabrication, cell assembly, testing and materials characterisation all in one place, researchers can identify the gap in national resources, as well as increase Ireland’s ability to compete internationally.
As society asks for increasingly more powerful mobile devices, with longer range and higher-performance capabilities and the market demands faster charging on electric vehicles, the research and development of lithium-ion batteries is one of the most critical challenges remaining.
Kerrie Sheehan, the head of research and technology at SEAI welcomed the announcement as rechargeable battery technology is vital in advancing renewable energy and reducing waste and emissions.
“The research carried out will contribute to the transformation of Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices,” said Sheehan.
Additionally, deputy director general of Science Foundation Ireland, Dr Ciarán Seoighe also acknowledged the importance of supporting the transition to a greener, more sustainable society and acknowledged Ireland’s potential as a hub of innovation.
The launch of the facility, “will help spearhead pioneering research in next-generation batteries, creating transformative collaborations and making Ireland an attractive location for the recruitment of world-leading scientists and engineers”, said Seoighe.
Silicon Republic recently spoke with UL’s Dr Valeria Nico, who works in the field of energy harvesting, on the topic of scientific advancement and a more sustainable planet.
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