Cenate

Material technology for tomorrow’s batteries

The company is based in Askim outside Oslo and is operating globally through close collaboration with some of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, as well as research environments at SINTEF, IFE and the University of Münster. Cenate’s unique silicon nanoparticles are used in the anode material of batteries, making it possible to store up to ten times more lithium than conventional anode materials. The result is batteries with increased energy density, better charging capacity and extended cycle life.

Today’s challenges

Batteries will continue to play a key role in the decarbonization of the transport industry. Today, the transport sector accounts for nearly a quarter of the world’s CO2 emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), a 50-fold capacity increase is necessary for batteries in electric vehicles by 2040 to meet climate goals. Cenate’s solution increase battery range and prolongs cycle life, thereby contributing to increased electrification globally.

Batteries with lower carbon footprint

The use of silicon in the anode material is considered the next major development in lithium-ion battery technology. Today’s batteries often contain a large proportion of carbon, in the form of graphite. Cenate’s new silicon-based particles are far superior to conventional silicon, and can also replace part of the graphite currently used in anode materials. Batteries with a high silicon content will reduce the demand for graphite, which is often extracted with major environmental consequences.

Cenate plans to build a full-scale production reactor at its pilot plant in Askim by the end of 2021, and the goal is to produce 50 to 100 tonnes of silicon a year.