ZEST · Doctoral Network on Zinc Energy Storage Technology

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners. CORDIS does not always give exact coordinates for projects before 2014. These points are placed at city or country level.

Project objective

The ZEST project addresses global warming by advancing zinc-based battery technology, which offers a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. With global temperatures rising by 1.2°C since pre-industrial times, severe consequences like extreme weather and threats to food security have emerged. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is vital, but energy storage solutions are needed due to the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.Lithium-ion batteries, while advanced, face limitations such as reliance on scarce materials like cobalt and lithium, environmental concerns, and safety risks, including fires and toxic leaks. The ZEST project focuses on zinc-based batteries, which are more sustainable, recyclable, and safer. Zinc is abundant and has a lower environmental impact, with easier recycling processes contributing to a circular economy.Key objectives of ZEST include:- Circularity and Recyclability: Utilizing abundant and non-toxic materials, zinc batteries support a closed-loop system with up to 90% material recovery.- Battery Life Extension: Enhancing materials to prolong battery life and reduce costs.- Safety: Developing non-flammable batteries to prevent overheating.- Energy Density: Improving storage capacity for renewable energy and electric vehicles.The project involves a consortium of experts and 15 Doctoral Candidates working on interconnected research projects, aiming to improve the performance, safety, and circularity of zinc batteries. By addressing these challenges, ZEST aims to contribute significantly to a sustainable and resilient energy future. The project’s focus on novel materials, designs, and processes will push the boundaries of zinc energy storage, making it a viable and superior alternative to current lithium-ion technology. Through these efforts, ZEST seeks to support the global transition to renewable energy and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenCoordinatorBelgium
• ACCUREC-RECYCLING GMBH · KrefeldGermany
• AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS · MadridSpain
• DRONEMATRIX NV · HasseltCity levelBelgium
• EVERZINC BELGIUM · AnsBelgium
• GRILLO Zinc Powder GmbH · GoslarCity levelGermany
• INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM · LeuvenBelgium
• POLITECNICO DI MILANO · MilanoItaly
• Prosemino Venture Studio Limited · LondonCity levelUnited Kingdom
• RISE RESEARCH INSTITUTES OF SWEDEN AB · BorasSweden
• UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA · RomaItaly
• UNIVERSITAET BREMEN · BremenGermany
• UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON · LondonUnited Kingdom
• VARTA MICROBATTERY GMBH · ELLWANGEN JAGSTGermany

Links

• View on CORDIS
• DOI: 10.3030/101311374