About the project
ZEBRA aims to deliver a safe, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage by advancing aqueous zinc-ion battery technology to TRL 5. The project will improve MnO2 cathodes and zinc anodes, develop scalable water-based and solvent-free electrode manufacturing, integrate pressure and temperature sensing, and adapt a dedicated battery management system for zinc-ion operation. The final goal is a validated battery pack for flexible stationary energy storage that supports renewable integration, reduces dependence on critical raw materials, and strengthens Europe’s battery value chain.
ZEBRA addresses the main barriers that currently prevent zinc-ion batteries from large-scale deployment: limited energy density, poor cycling stability, immature manufacturing routes, lack of dedicated sensing, and the absence of a zinc-specific BMS. To move beyond the state of the art, the project combines advanced material engineering of MnO2 cathodes and zinc anodes, functionalized graphene and ion-conductive polymers, sustainable water-based and solvent-free thick-electrode processing, and real-time pressure/temperature monitoring integrated with an adapted BMS. This end-to-end approach links materials innovation with manufacturability and system integration, turning lab-scale advances into a realistic stationary storage demonstrator.
ZEBRA is expected to demonstrate a zinc-ion battery pack for stationary storage with energy density above 140 Wh/kg, storage cost below $50/kWh, and strong cycling stability, while proving integration with sensors and a dedicated BMS under realistic operating conditions. Beyond technical validation, the project aims to reduce manufacturing energy use and environmental impact, avoid critical-material dependency, and improve safety versus lithium-ion systems. Its wider impact is to strengthen European industrial competitiveness, support grid flexibility and renewable uptake, open new opportunities for SMEs and advanced materials suppliers, and accelerate the emergence of a resilient non-lithium battery ecosystem in Europe.