Volklec, a Coventry-based battery start-up, aims to build a £1bn gigafactory with backing from former Britishvolt investors and a partnership with Chinese battery supplier Far East Battery. Supported by investment firm Frontive Group, Volklec is learning from Britishvolt’s missteps by securing customers and in-house expertise before committing to large-scale manufacturing.
The company will initially produce cylindrical nickel-rich battery cells for e-bikes and energy storage at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, a government-funded pilot facility. By 2025, it plans to expand into automotive, aerospace, and marine power cells, targeting smaller manufacturers that lack the resources for their own battery production.
Focus on Grid-Scale Storage
Volklec aims to enhance the UK’s energy security by producing lithium-ion 21700 battery cells for grid-scale storage. These batteries will help stabilize the National Grid by balancing supply and demand fluctuations, reducing reliance on gas-powered plants, and enabling greater use of renewable energy.
Rapid Deployment Through Established Technology
With a long-term agreement in place, Far East Battery provides Volklec with technical expertise and supply chain support. Production will begin at UKBIC, starting with a 100MWh line, scaling to 1GWh by 2026, and culminating in a 10GWh gigafactory by the decade’s end.
Supporting the UK’s Energy Transition
Volklec’s efforts align with the UK’s push for sustainable power solutions and net-zero emissions. By offering locally produced batteries, the company seeks to fill supply chain gaps and bolster the country’s battery industry, which has been dominated by foreign entities. If successful, Volklec could play a pivotal role in the UK’s shift to renewable energy storage.
In a strategic move underscoring confidence in renewable energy, Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to purchase National Grid’s U.S. onshore renewables business for approximately $1.735 billion. This acquisition includes 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of operational capacity and an additional 1.3 GW under construction, comprising utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and battery storage assets. The transaction is expected to conclude in the first half of the financial year ending March 31, 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
This development occurs against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, which have halted new approvals and permits for wind energy projects on federal lands and waters, introducing uncertainty within the renewable sector.
Despite these challenges, Brookfield’s President, Connor Teskey, expressed optimism, suggesting that the administration’s emphasis on “growth, industrialization, and American excellence” could bolster electricity demand, thereby benefiting cost-effective renewable sources. This acquisition aligns with Brookfield’s broader strategy, following its recent majority stake purchase in French power producer Neoen and a partnership with Microsoft to develop 10.5 GW of green energy capacity for data centers.
For National Grid, the sale aligns with a strategic refocus on core energy networks and a £60 billion, five-year infrastructure investment program in the UK and the US. The company aims to enhance its electricity networks in anticipation of rising demand driven by the shift towards renewables. This divestment is part of National Grid’s strategy to streamline operations and concentrate on its primary energy transmission and distribution businesses.
The Role of Grid Storage in Renewable Integration
The UK’s National Grid currently relies on Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) for approximately 10% of its load to maintain grid stability, even during periods of surplus wind and solar energy. Short-term grid storage, capable of sustaining power for several hours, is crucial to reducing reliance on gas and enabling fully renewable operation for short periods.
Longer-term energy storage solutions, such as demand-side response programs like Agile Octopus, help manage excess renewable generation by encouraging consumers to shift energy use to peak production times. However, multi-day energy storage solutions are required for periods with low renewable generation. Advanced technologies such as Vanadium Flow and hydrogen-based storage solutions are emerging as viable alternatives for long-duration storage.
Battery Storage Technologies in the Transition
Brookfield’s acquisition includes battery storage assets, primarily focused on lithium-ion and vanadium redox flow technologies, emphasizing the increasing importance of grid-scale energy storage. The battery technologies involved in the sale include:
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) Batteries: The dominant technology for grid-scale storage, offering high energy density and fast response times. However, scalability issues, material shortages, and fire safety concerns remain key challenges.
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries: Known for their extended cycle life and suitability for long-duration storage, these batteries are supported by companies like Invinity Energy Systems, making them ideal for applications requiring sustained energy output.
Brookfield’s investment in these storage technologies highlights the essential role of battery solutions in ensuring grid stability and improving renewable energy integration. The emphasis on vanadium flow batteries underscores a shift towards longer-duration storage capable of supporting extended periods of renewable reliance.
