CoFBAT · Project

Cobalt-Free Batteries That Last Longer and Cost Less for Energy Storage

energyTestedTRL 6

Most big batteries used for storing solar or wind energy rely on cobalt — a scarce, expensive metal often mined under questionable conditions. CoFBAT figured out how to build batteries that skip cobalt entirely, using alternative materials that are cheaper and easier to source in Europe. The result is a battery that can charge and discharge up to 10,000 times, costs as little as 0.03 €/kWh per cycle, and is safer thanks to a gel-based electrolyte instead of liquid chemicals that can catch fire. They built working 30 Ah prismatic cells and tested them, getting the technology close to real-world use.

By the numbers

10,000 cycles

Battery lifetime (depending on material selected)

0.03 €/kWh/cycle

Target cost per cycle

>50%

Metal recovery rate in recycling

30 Ah

Prismatic cell capacity demonstrated

20 partners

Consortium size across full value chain

9 countries

Countries represented in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

European businesses building energy storage systems face two growing headaches: cobalt prices are volatile and supply is concentrated in politically unstable regions, while customers increasingly demand longer-lasting, safer, and more recyclable batteries. Current lithium-ion batteries with cobalt cathodes create supply chain risk, higher costs, and recycling complexity that eats into margins.

The solution

What was built

The project built working 30 Ah prismatic cobalt-free battery cells using high-capacity anodes, cobalt-free cathodes, and a gel polymer electrolyte separator for improved safety. These cells were tested under UN38.3 transport regulations and demonstrated at TRL 6. The consortium also investigated metal recovery processes for end-of-life recycling, achieving over 50% recovery rates.

Audience

Who needs this

Battery storage system integrators looking for cobalt-free cell supplyRenewable energy companies needing long-cycle-life stationary storageIndustrial automation firms requiring safe on-site battery power for robotic devicesBattery recycling companies preparing for next-generation chemistriesUtilities and grid operators seeking cost-effective distributed energy storage

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Stationary Energy Storage

mid-size

Target: Battery storage integrators and energy storage system manufacturers

If you are a storage system integrator struggling with rising cobalt prices and supply chain risks — this project developed cobalt-free battery cells reaching up to 10,000 cycles at 0.03 €/kWh/cycle. That means you can offer customers longer-lasting, cheaper storage without depending on volatile cobalt markets. The 30 Ah prismatic cell format is designed for modular deployment in both residential and industrial settings.

Renewable Energy

enterprise

Target: Solar and wind farm operators needing on-site storage

If you are a renewable energy operator dealing with curtailment and grid balancing costs — this project built battery technology specifically designed for stationary storage with improved safety through gel polymer electrolytes. With up to 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, these batteries can outlast conventional alternatives by years, reducing your total cost of ownership. The cobalt-free chemistry also simplifies your ESG reporting and supply chain compliance.

Battery Recycling

any

Target: Battery recycling and materials recovery companies

If you are a recycling company preparing for the wave of end-of-life batteries — this project achieved over 50% metal recovery rates and developed recommendations for future recycling applications. Cobalt-free batteries simplify the recycling process since you avoid handling one of the most problematic and toxic metals. The consortium's feasibility study on metal recovery processes gives you a roadmap for scaling operations.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this battery technology actually cost compared to current solutions?

The project targeted a cost of 0.03 €/kWh per cycle, which is competitive with current lithium-ion storage costs. By removing cobalt — one of the most expensive battery materials — the raw material costs drop significantly. The exact manufacturing cost at scale was not published in the available data.

Can this be produced at industrial scale?

The project developed the technology to TRL 6, meaning large prototype cells (30 Ah prismatic format) were demonstrated in a relevant environment. The consortium includes 12 industrial partners across the battery value chain, from material suppliers to cell producers and integrators. Scaling to commercial production would require further engineering and production line investment.

What is the IP situation — can I license this technology?

The project involved 20 partners across 9 countries, so IP is likely shared among consortium members. TORRECID SA (Spain) coordinated the project. Based on available project data, licensing arrangements would need to be discussed directly with the consortium partners who developed specific components.

How safe are these batteries compared to conventional lithium-ion?

The project specifically addressed safety by using a gel polymer electrolyte separator instead of liquid electrolytes, which significantly reduces fire and leakage risks. The 30 Ah prismatic cells were tested under UN38.3 transport safety regulations, the international standard for shipping batteries. This makes them suitable for residential and industrial installations where safety is critical.

How long until this is commercially available?

The project closed in April 2024 at TRL 6 (technology demonstrated in relevant environment). Moving to commercial deployment typically requires 2-4 more years for production scaling, certification, and market entry. Some consortium partners with industrial capacity may already be pursuing commercialization.

Does this work with existing battery management systems?

The 30 Ah prismatic cell format was designed to be modular and suitable for different applications. Based on available project data, the cells were built to integrate into stationary storage systems for households and industrial robotic devices. Specific compatibility with existing BMS platforms would need to be confirmed with the consortium.

Consortium

Who built it

CoFBAT assembled a strong, industry-heavy consortium of 20 partners across 9 European countries (AT, BE, DE, DK, ES, FR, NL, NO, SE), with 60% of partners coming from industry — a clear signal that this technology was built with commercialization in mind. The consortium covers the entire battery value chain, from advanced material developers to cell producers and system integrators. Coordinated by TORRECID SA, a Spanish industrial ceramics and materials company, the project benefits from deep manufacturing expertise. With 3 SMEs in the mix alongside large industrial players, the technology has exposure to both agile innovators and companies with the scale to bring it to market. The 5 research organizations and 2 universities provide the scientific backbone, while the geographic spread across Northern and Southern Europe ensures broad market access.

TORRECID SACoordinator · ES
AVESTA HOLDINGparticipant · BE
VARTA STORAGE GMBHparticipant · DE
VDL STEELWELD BVparticipant · NL
VARTA MICROBATTERY GMBHparticipant · DE
COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESparticipant · FR
VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSELparticipant · BE
CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION COOPERATIVA DE ENERGIAS ALTERNATIVAS FUNDACION, CIC ENERGIGUNE FUNDAZIOAparticipant · ES
UPPSALA UNIVERSITETparticipant · SE
INSTITUTT FOR ENERGITEKNIKKparticipant · NO
BOUYGUES ENERGIES & SERVICESparticipant · FR
MIMI TECH GMBHparticipant · DE
UNIRESEARCH BVparticipant · NL
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR STORAGE OF ENERGYparticipant · BE
VDL ENABLING TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS BVthirdparty · NL
SOLVAY SAparticipant · BE
VARTA INNOVATION GMBHparticipant · AT
ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE ASSOCIACIONparticipant · ES
FUNDACION CIDETECparticipant · ES
TOPSOE ASparticipant · DK

How to reach the team

TORRECID SA (Spain) — a large industrial materials company. Contact their R&D or business development department for technology licensing inquiries.

Order a report on this consortium See TORRECID SA profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the CoFBAT consortium to explore licensing or supply partnerships? SciTransfer can connect you with the right partner for your specific need — whether that is cell materials, battery assembly, or recycling processes.

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