The New Generation Storage (NGS) Innovation Pact is completely aligned with the European Union’s energy transition strategy until 2040, and the challenge for the complete electrification of mobility by 2035. Based on a model structured in 8 Work Packages that cover the entire value chain of production of battery components, packaging and recycling, it is proposed to add value to each stage of the process, culminating in a common objective: the creation of a new technological ecosystem in the area of ​​batteries that will stand out the national industry in the global market. Through the cooperation of 47 entities, the aim is to structurally transform the national productive fabric, creating the possible conditions – at the technological and human resources level – for an industrial ecosystem capable of mass production of innovative technologies, and a complete value chain that allows world-class end-of-life management.

NGS is composed of complementary technological Work Packages (WP), with the capacity to autonomously generate Products, Processes or Services (PPS) for the international market, incorporating innovative technologies that can increase the value over the life of the project. Individually, each WP can operate independently in a specific area of ​​the value chain. However, together, they interconnect and build a significant circular chain.

• WP1 “Advanced Refining and Valorization” aims to install a large refinery and actions related to sustainable refining and valorization processes, implements an innovative and improved industrial line for lithium processing, through sustainable technology based on membrane electrolysis .
• WP 2 “Cells, Modules and Components” aims at the installation and operation of cell/module manufacturing lines and the development of new, safer and more sustainable electrodes, binders, electrolytes and separators, in close relation with WP1 and WP5.
• WP3 “Battery Assembly” foresees the installation of three productive assembly lines for stationary battery modules for the automotive industry; It also provides for the integration of cabling, connectors and casings, as well as energy management systems and control electronics, modeling and development of the proposed product.
• WP4 “Integration and Application” includes five pilot lines related to: the connection of batteries to the grid for power grid management; the use of batteries for different purposes – residential, commercial and industrial; a battery integration into fast charging stations; battery integration in vehicles. These lines will allow the definition of technology and pilot knowledge that will be applied to the use of batteries in a wide range of situations.
• WP5 “Recycling and Second Life” includes lines of action related to the recycling of battery materials and components, battery disassembly and second life batteries. Furthermore, recycling the battery elements will enable the WP1 to be powered, creating a fully closed circular design.
• WP6 “Advanced Training and Courses” is transversal to the entire NGS Innovation Pact and aims to train human resources in companies involved in the NGS, as well as provide highly specialized training for future master’s and doctoral students, promoting technical and university qualifications in companies.
• WP7 “Technological Platform and Entrepreneurship” is also transversal to the entire Innovation Pact and includes lines of action with the objective of developing and implementing a Technological Platform, which will support the national industry to position itself as an important international actor in the sector of batteries. The main objective of this Platform is to support market innovation (from laboratory to factory) for the full development and market adoption of technological solutions, supporting them at all easy stages of development along the value chain.
• WP8 “Dissemination and Management” is structural for the entire project and aims to communicate and disseminate the global objectives and results of the NGS, intending to widely promote this Pact among sector stakeholders (scientific community and market). It also includes the technical management of the NGS Pact.

Thus, the NGS pact will deliver 14 PPS, namely:
• PPS1 – Sustainable technology for lithium refining
• PPS2 – Predictive platform based on Machine Learning
• PPS3 – New conversion process for the valorization of HCI by-products with a view to producing LiCI
• PPS4 – New processes for the pilot production of innovative batteries, using different technologies, such as: flexible batteries, thin-film solid-state batteries and structural batteries
• PPS5 – New service for testing and laboratory validation of new cathodic solutions developed
• PPS6 – New disruptive casings for prismatic and cylindrical cells
• PPS7 – New processes for battery testing and certification
• PPS8 – New technology for fast charging of battery packs
• PPS9 – Modular energy management system
• PPS10 – New sustainable processes for recycling lithium-ion batteries
• PPS11 – New industrial processes and services for 2nd life battery applications
• PPS12 – New training and capacity building modules in the battery sector
• PPS13 – NGS Collaborative Platform and Network
• PPS14 – Digital systems for energy management

Project link: https://newgenstorage.pt/

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