Project NEXGENNA is aiming to research longer-lasting batteries for commercial vehicles
A project led by the University of St Andrews to develop a safe, cheap, long-lasting battery has been given a £12m boost with funding from the Faraday Institution as part of a £55m round of funding for energy storage research.
The project, NEXGENNA, will work on creating a safe, long-life, low cost sodium ion battery which could be commercialised. The low cost of sodium ion batteries could help make projects happen which are currently not financially viable, as well as increasing the distance available before the batteries need to be recharged.
The four-year research project will be led by Professor John Irvine and Dr Robert Armstrong of the University of St Andrews, with contributions from Lancaster University, the University of Cambridge, University College London, the University of Sheffield and the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Professor John Irvine of the School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to develop a new strand of battery technology that the UK is uniquely well placed to lead the world through industry and academia working together.”
Dr Robert Armstrong, Joint Project Leader, said: “We have assembled a very strong team and look forward to delivering world class research enabling the UK to establish itself at the forefront of this developing technology.”
