Altech Batteries (ASX: ATC) has confirmed it is raising $4 million to support further development of its cutting-edge CERENERGY technology.

Fire- and explosion-proof, CERENERGY batteries are attracting growing interest as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

The funds raised will be used for sourcing project finance and offtake for the CERENERGY project, as well as to complete fabrication of a second 60-kilowatt-hour battery prototype and to finalise commissioning of the Silumina anodes pilot plant.

‘Strong market interest’

Managing director Iggy Tan said the capital raise comes at an exciting juncture for Altech as it advances the commercialisation of its 120-megawatt-hour CERENERGY battery and nears the commissioning of its Silumina anodes pilot plant.

He said a portion of the funds will also be allocated to a preliminary study for a larger 4-gigawatt-hour battery facility, marking the next significant step towards CERENERGY commercialisation.

“We are encouraged by the strong market interest in our current initiatives,” Mr Tan said.

“In August 2024, we conducted an entitlements issue at $0.04 per share, providing our existing shareholders with a fair opportunity to participate previously.”

“The current placement at $0.06 per share represents a 50% premium over the recent entitlements issue price and Altech does not intend to conduct another entitlements issue at the higher price.”

German JV agreement

Altech has a joint venture (JV) agreement with the world-leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS to commercialise the CERENERGY solid-state battery.

The JV plans to construct a 120MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony to produce CERENERGY battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

Using table salt, the technology – which is free of lithium, graphite, cobalt and copper – eliminates exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

The innovative batteries have a lifespan of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates.