Investment Attraction

HalioGEN Power, a spin-out from The University of Manchester, faced the challenge of developing a long-duration energy storage solution that could effectively support the transition to low-carbon energy. The existing market was inadequately served by current technologies, which typically relied on lithium and could only store energy efficiently for up to four hours. The team, led by Professor Robert Dryfe and supported by Research Associates Dr. Lewis Le Fevre, Dr. Andinet Aynalem, and Dr. Athanasios Stergiou, aimed to create a lithium-free redox-flow battery technology capable of storing energy for more than ten hours.

The tailored solution involved a novel approach that eliminated the need for a membrane, a critical component in traditional flow batteries. Instead, HalioGEN Power manipulated halogen chemistry to create a two-phase system where the interface between the two phases functions as a membrane. This innovation not only enhances the storage duration but also simplifies the design by requiring only one tank and one pump, significantly reducing both capital costs and system complexity.

With an initial €1 million investment from SPRIND, the German Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation, HalioGEN Power successfully developed a lab-based prototype. The recent €3 million funding will be utilized to scale and de-risk this prototype over the next 18 months, preparing it for commercial application. During this period, the team will operate from the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at The University of Manchester, leveraging its resources and expertise to accelerate the technology's market readiness.

The project addresses specific issues such as the 'dark lulls' in Germany, where solar and wind energy generation can be significantly low for extended periods. By providing a long-term storage solution, HalioGEN Power aims to enhance the reliability and sustainability of renewable energy systems. The company has already garnered interest from various organizations across the UK and Europe, indicating a strong market potential for its innovative technology. Additionally, the Energy Innovation Agency will support HalioGEN Power in further developing its business and technology, aiming to transition from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 7 throughout 2024 and 2025.