The New Generation Storage (NGS) Innovation Pact is completely aligned with the European Union's energy transition strategy until 2040 and the challenge of the complete electrification of mobility by 2035. Based on a model structured in 8 Work Packages (WPs) that cover the entire value chain of components production, packs, and battery 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 batteries area, which will make the national industry stand out in the global market.

Through the cooperation of 47 entities, the aim is to structurally transform the national production chain, creating the necessary conditions - at technological and human resources level - for an industrial ecosystem capable of mass production of innovative technologies and a value chain-complete system that enables world-class end-of-life management.

Main Goals/Activities

NGS is composed of complementary technological WPs, 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 project life. 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 “Valorization and Advanced Refining”: installation of a refinery and take actions related to sustainable refining and valorization processes, aiming to implement an innovative and improved industrial line for lithium processing through sustainable technology based on membrane electrolysis;
• WP2 “Cells, Modules and Components”: installation and operation of cells/modules manufacturing lines and development of new, safer, and more sustainable electrodes, ligands, electrolytes, and separators, in close relation to WP1 and WP5;
• WP3 “Battery Pack Assembly”: installation of three productive assembly lines for battery modules, both for stationary applications and for automotive industry;
• WP4 “Integration and Applications”: pilot lines related to the battery’s connection to the network for power grid management; use of batteries for different purposes (residential, commercial, and industrial); battery integration into fast charging stations; and battery integration into vehicles. These pilot lines will allow the definition of technology and knowledge that will be applied to the use of batteries in a wide range of situations;
• WP5 “Recycling and Second Life”: recycling of battery materials and components, battery disassembly, and second-life batteries. Recycling the battery elements will enable the WP1 to be powered, creating a fully closed circular design;
• WP6 “Training and Advanced Courses”: Training of human resources in companies involved at NGS, as well as highly specialized formation for future master's and doctorate students, promoting technical and academic qualifications in companies;
• WP7 “Technological Platform and Entrepreneurship”: development and implementation of a Technological Platform that will support from laboratory to factory innovation for the full development and market adoption of technological solutions, involving all necessary stages along the value chain, as well as support the national industry to position itself as an important player in the international sector of batteries;
• WP8 “Dissemination and Management”.

CeNTI will have a strong participation in all WPs that make up the battery value chain, namely: refining processes, monitoring environmental impacts, waste recovery, development of new materials for battery components, cell production (pilot line), sensing and actuation systems for modules and packs, eco-design of batteries, module and pack assembly, new materials for casings, power electronics, second-life applications, and recycling processes (pilot line).

Code: C644936001-00000045

Project number: 58

Funding programme.Dimension: Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Resilience 

Component: C5 – Capitalisation and Business Innovation

Measure: RE-C05-i01.01 | Agendas/Alianças Mobilizadoras para a Reindustrialização

Consortium leader: Domingos da Silva Teixeira S.A. (DST Solar)

Investiment (agenda): 194 801 930.98 €

Beneficiary entity: CeNTI – Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials

Investiment (beneficiary): 8 736 235.41 €

Project duration: January 2022 to December 2025

RRP Website: PORTUGAL RECOVERY