Battery Consortium set to become multi-technology research group

The Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) has announced plans to launch as a multi-technology pre-competitive research organisation from 2027. 

The Consortium is re-aligning its business plan amid the huge growth in demand for battery energy storage and reflecting the majority of its members who already offer multi-technology solutions. 

CBI will continue to maintain its focus on core lead battery research programmes through its roadmap and project work. 

Dr Alistair Davidson, Executive Director of CBI, announcing the plans at the European Lead Battery Conference in Vienna, said: “Energy storage demand is booming, and a growing range of technologies is seeking to capture this demand. Our industry is embracing this shift, with more than 80% of lead battery manufacturers, along with many suppliers, already active across multiple battery technologies.

“Our purpose, vision and mission won't change. We remain a pre-competitive research organisation, and we will ensure we protect and grow our ongoing commitment to lead battery research. 

“We'll also support new research and testing in new technologies, driven by our members' requirements: independent benchmarking, new research building on work that's already been done, and a stronger organisation, with greater scale, broader expertise, access to more funding, and a trusted voice on standards and policy.”

The CBI board and General Assembly, representing its 120 members, voted to support the move at meetings in Vienna, and were supported by the International Lead Association’s board.

CBI will officially re-launch as a multi-technology research group in 2027. 

Ends

Note to editors: 

CBI was formed in 2019, building on the work of the pre-competitive consortium, the Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium ALABC. Since then it has published three technical roadmaps and managed projects leading to significant lead battery performance improvements across a range of applications. CBI has also successfully managed a range of projects following successful bids in the United States and Europe. 

For more information visit www.batteryinnovation.org

To arrange interviews with Dr Alistair Davidson or for any other enquiries contact the CBI media office on +44 (0)7718 483887.