Altech Charges into Battery Market with Sodium Nickel Chloride Launch

Altech Batteries (ASX: ATC) has formally entered the global battery market, launching the sale of its sodium nickel chloride batteries through a strategic partnership with AMPower, a subsidiary of the US$20 billion Chilwee Group and one of the world’s largest producers of this battery type.

This early market entry enables Altech to begin generating revenue while it progresses development of its CERENERGY 120 megawatt hour energy storage project in Germany, designed to serve the grid scale storage market.

Under the agreement, AMPower will manufacture battery cells and energy storage packs to Altech’s specifications and branding for distribution across Europe, Australia and the United States. Altech’s initial focus will be on small to medium sized batteries for Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and stationary storage markets — particularly those seeking alternatives to lithium ion systems.

Unlike lithium ion batteries, sodium nickel chloride technology is inherently fireproof, performs reliably in extreme heat and cold, and requires no maintenance for more than 10 years. This makes it particularly well suited for data centres, remote infrastructure, and facilities where battery safety is paramount.

Managing Director Iggy Tan said the collaboration marks a key step in Altech’s commercial strategy.

“There is exceptional interest in our sodium nickel chloride solid state battery technology, especially from customers seeking safer, more reliable alternatives to lithium ion,” Tan said. “This partnership enables immediate production under our brand, and we are already seeing strong demand from offtake partners.”

AMPower currently operates at an annual production capacity of 100 megawatt hours, which can be scaled to 200 megawatt hours with minimal capital outlay. The company originally manufactured Zebra UPS batteries under the General Electric Durathon brand and brings deep expertise in sodium nickel systems.

The collaboration is structured to protect each party’s intellectual property. AMPower will not have access to Altech’s proprietary CERENERGY cell technology, and Altech will not receive access to AMPower’s GE Durathon design. However, the two will co-develop small and medium sized battery energy storage systems (BESS) with shared distribution rights.

While AMPower will manufacture the cells and battery management systems, Altech will oversee specification, marketing, regional compliance, and installation. This arrangement allows Altech to build customer relationships and strengthen its brand recognition ahead of commissioning its own large scale plant in Germany.

Altech will initially sell several UPS battery models, ranging from 9 to 25 kilowatt hours in capacity. These units will target critical infrastructure operators and industrial users seeking fireproof and maintenance free backup power solutions.

Looking ahead, AMPower and Altech plan to expand into grid scale battery solutions up to 200 megawatt hours, giving Altech direct market exposure and practical manufacturing experience that will help refine its CERENERGY battery product line.

This early entry strategy allows Altech to establish a revenue base, reduce reliance on external capital, and demonstrate sodium nickel chloride’s real world performance — all while de risking its broader commercialisation roadmap.

In a battery market dominated by lithium, Altech is positioning itself as a leader in a safer, more sustainable alternative — one that could well become essential to the future of energy storage.