Explore our recent battery innovation projects at EnergyVille
From materials to markets: we are accelerating battery innovation
Europe’s energy system is becoming cleaner, more electrified and increasingly dependent on safe, high-performance batteries. At EnergyVille, we address this challenge through cutting-edge research, advanced prototyping and strategic collaboration across disciplines.
This page brings together key battery projects across six innovation domains — from novel materials and architectures to smart management systems. Each initiative is powered by EnergyVille partners KU Leuven, VITO, imec and UHasselt, and contributes to shaping the next generation of battery technologies.
Explore current and past projects, discover our state-of-the-art test facilities, and connect with our experts.
Project overview
- New materials for batteries
- New battery cell architectures
- Modelling, characterisation & testing
- Battery management systems (BMS)
- Battery integration support
- New battery concepts
New materials for batteries
From lithium-sulfur to solid-state and sodium-ion: we develop advanced materials for batteries with higher energy density, longer lifetime, safer performance and scalable manufacturing. Our research covers electrodes, electrolytes and buffer layers — from atomic-level design to pilot-scale production.
Recent projects
| FUGELS (VLAIO) – Functionally graded electrodes for long-life lithium-sulfur batteries | MESH-BAT (VLAIO) – NanoMESH-enabled miniature formable BATteries |
|---|---|
| FUGELS aims to accelerate the maturation and penetration of lithium-sulfur (LSB) batteries into the market. LSBs are potentially lighter, less expensive options than any other batteries on the market. | The MESH-BAT project targets the development of a high energy density, small area 2.5D Li-based solid-state battery for wearable and implantable devices. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
| COBRA (H2020) – CObalt-free Batteries for FutuRe Automotive Applications | SOLIDIFY (H2020) – Bringing solid-state battery technology to manufacturability |
| COBRA is a collaborative research and innovation project developing the next generation of Cobalt-free Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles. | SOLiDIFY is a project that seeks to create the materials and processes for the large-scale fabrication of these batteries in Europe. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
New battery cell architectures
We design innovative cell formats that reduce inactive mass and increase energy density, enabling safer, lighter and more powerful batteries. Our pre-pilot lines support scalable R&D for next-gen chemistries like solid-state, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur.
Recent projects
| FUGELS (VLAIO) – Functionally graded electrodes for long-life lithium-sulfur batteries | INTELLIBAT (EFRO) – Vaste Stof Batterij-Innovatie & Infrastructuur voor Industriële Transformatie |
|---|---|
| FUGELS aims to accelerate the maturation and penetration of lithium-sulfur (LSB) batteries into the market. LSBs are potentially lighter, less expensive options than any other batteries on the market. | The Intellibat project invests in the development of solid-state battery technologies and complementary infrastructure to strengthen the European battery chain. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
| MESH-BAT (VLAIO) – NanoMESH-enabled miniature formable BATteries | |
|---|---|
| The MESH-BAT project targets the development of a high energy density, small area 2.5D Li-based solid-state battery for wearable and implantable devices, combining novel 3D nanomesh current collectors with thin-film cathode coatings, a thin Li-metal anode, and a solid polymer electrolyte. | |
| Learn more |
Modelling, characterisation & testing
We start from the application needs & requirements and translate them into targeted battery materials design and characterisation, cell testing and integration assessment. The resulting high-quality data feed our multi-scale models, enabling accurate prediction of ageing, thermal behaviour and safety margins from material to full cell and system level. Linking application understanding, materials properties, testing and modelling allows us to predict real-world behaviour and optimise cell design, performance, safety and system integration.
Recent projects
| FUGELS (VLAIO) – Functionally graded electrodes for long-life lithium-sulfur batteries | BECoOptimal (ETF) – Battery Energy storage system total Cost of Ownership OPTImalisation through physics-informed MAchine Learning |
|---|---|
| FUGELS aims to accelerate the maturation and penetration of lithium-sulfur (LSB) batteries into the market. LSBs are potentially lighter, less expensive options than any other batteries on the market. | The objective of the BeCoOptimal project is the innovative integration of artificial intelligence by means of machine learning with physicochemical models of battery aging, aiming to improve the accuracy of battery state estimates and the optimization of its control by battery operators. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
| FLEXInet (Dutch Government ‘MOOI’) – Intelligent flexibility through integrated hybrid storage technologies | |
|---|---|
| FLEXInet explored how to combine electrical and thermal energy storage in smart, integrated ways with an Energy Management System to make homes and communities more sustainable. The project showed innovative ways to balance energy needs across multiple carriers. | |
Battery management systems (BMS)
We design and develop battery-management solutions that leverage measured cell behaviour, degradation mechanisms and advanced modelling to deliver accurate state estimation and safety monitoring. Our next-gen BMS combines digital-twin capabilities with advanced battery control to improve resilience, extend lifetime and support reconfigurable module concepts such as smart or autonomous battery cells.
With these tools, we enable reliable integration in stationary storage and mobility applications.
Recent projects
| NAIMA (H2020) – New Na-Ion cells to accelerate the European Energy Transition | CURRENT DIRECT (H2020) –Swappable container waterborne transport battery |
|---|---|
| NAIMA aims to develop a new generation of high-competitive and safe Na-Ion cells for the current and future energy storage technologies, supported by the key actors of the European Battery value chain. | The Current Direct project proposes to develop and demonstrate an innovative lithium-ion cell engineered for waterborne transport. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
| HEDASupercap (HEU) – High Energy Density Assymmetric hybrid supercapacitors for applications in consumer goods and electrification | ARISE (HEU) – awakening – relevant – innovative – scalable – equitable |
|---|---|
| The HEDAsupercap project aims to develop high-energy-density asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors of two dissimilar EDLC-type and battery-type electrodes. | ARISE’s global goal is to revolutionize the learning process by changing both delivery and recognition of sustainable energy skills in the construction sector. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
| HiHelios (HEU) – Demonstrating a High-energy and High-power hybrid battery storagE soLutIonS platform for multiple grid services | Atena+ (HEU) – Powering Europe with safe, efficient, sustainable sodium-ion battery technology |
|---|---|
| HiHELIOS project aims to develop a scalable, modular and safe Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS), designed to meet the evolving needs of energy grids and electric mobility. | ATENA+ is scaling up sodium-ion batteries to make energy storage safer, more affordable, and environmentally sustainable, shaping Europe’s green energy future. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
Battery integration support
We guide the selection, sizing and system integration of batteries — from feasibility to grid-connected operation. Our experts combine technical insight with real-world use cases to support optimal, standards-compliant deployment.
Recent projects
| INTELLIBAT (EFRO) – Vaste Stof Batterij-Innovatie & Infrastructuur voor Industriële Transformatie | HiHelios (HEU) – Demonstrating a High-energy and High-power hybrid battery storagE soLutIonS platform for multiple grid services |
|---|---|
| The Intellibat project invests in the development of solid-state battery technologies and complementary infrastructure to strengthen the European battery chain. | HiHELIOS project aims to develop a scalable, modular and safe Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS), designed to meet the evolving needs of energy grids and electric mobility. |
| Learn more | Learn more |
| FLEXSHIP (HEU) – Flexible and modular large battery systems for safe on-board integration and operation of electric power | FLEXInet (Dutch Government ‘MOOI’) – Intelligent flexibility through integrated hybrid storage technologies |
|---|---|
| FLEXSHIP will facilitate the transition of the waterborne sector towards climate neutrality by delivering a digital green concept for electrification of vessels. | FLEXInet explored how to combine electrical and thermal energy storage in smart, integrated ways with an Energy Management System to make homes and communities more sustainable. |
| Learn more |
New battery concepts
We explore novel module and pack concepts that combine performance, flexibility and circularity — enabling stackable designs and second-life use. These innovations are grounded in deep expertise on materials, cells and system integration.
Recent projects
| ABCDE – Advanced Battery Cells with Disruptive Electronics | |
|---|---|
| The ABCDE project will focus on refining the traditional approach for efficient management and optimisation of energy storage solutions by introducing an innovative concept of smart and autonomous battery cells. | |
| Learn more |
About EnergyVille
At EnergyVille, we bring together top researchers from KU Leuven, VITO, imec and UHasselt to drive innovation across the battery value chain. From organic and inorganic chemistry to system-level integration, our joint expertise supports Europe’s ambition for a cleaner, smarter and more resilient energy future.
EnergyVille hosts several labs, including a state-of-the-art battery materials testing lab with dry room and battery testing lab with options for eg. safety testing, and analysis tools such as SEM-EDX, X-ray CT and in situ XRD. This makes EnergyVille one of the few centres in Europe able to cover the full innovation chain under one roof.
Discover our labs
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