Battery manufacturer secures grant to accelerate energy innovation

Telford-based specialist battery supplier and manufacturer, AceOn Group, has secured its third government grant from Innovate UK, facilitated by Azets.

The £1m grant from Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst 8 fund will fast-track the development of AceOn’s new mobile solar energy storage unit and support AceOn’s efforts to improve energy provision in Ukraine.

Using second-life UV batteries, the project aims to transform energy storage in remote areas with limited access to traditional power sources.

Renowned for its innovative design and assembling custom-built reusable battery packs, AceOn is working with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society on a project to deliver clean, sustainable and affordable energy to millions affected by Russia’s invasion.

Mark Thompson, managing director at AceOn Group said: “We are passionate about innovation and technology development, especially in areas such as Ukraine, where conventional methods won’t suffice. By using second-life solar-powered lithium-ion battery technology, we’ve been able to create a product that is sustainable, widely available and brings clean and affordable power to the people in Ukraine, which for many will be a lifeline.

Looking forward, we hope to also enable the creation of a local manufacturing facility in the country, where it will produce swappable power packs and generators that not only support local economic growth but also help with the wider advancement of renewable energy solutions.”

“We’re extremely grateful to the Azets team, whose specialist knowledge and experience of grant funding enabled us to deliver this, the third such research we’ve undertaken, quickly and efficiently. Without this funding, we wouldn’t have been allowed to present at COP29, which is a huge milestone for us in our commitment to leading the charge on sustainable energy solutions”