Superdielectrics teams with E.ON for home energy storage

Launched last year, Superdielectrics’ Faraday 1 battery is an aqueous polymer-based technology that combines the properties of supercapacitors and electrochemical batteries. Its core polymer component is said to be similar to the materials used in contact lenses. As a result, it is claimed to be significantly cheaper, safer and greener than existing energy storage technologies such as lithium-ion batteries.

The polymer breakthrough emerged from a collaboration with researchers at Bristol University and the technology is already protected globally through numerous patent families. At the launch event in 2024, Superdielectrics CEO Jim Heathcote said the company’s immediate plans were to target the home storage market, leasing Superdielectrics storage systems to households across the UK. The deal with E.ON appears to be a major step in that direction.

“We are delighted to sign this ground-breaking collaboration agreement with such a globally respected energy group as E.ON,” said Heathcote.

“Their support and insight will enable us to accelerate the development of our technology and bring it into production far sooner. We believe that our technology has the potential to revolutionise power generation and consumption and deliver enormous environmental and cost benefits to millions of people.”

While not as energy dense as lithium-ion, Faraday 1 can charge much more rapidly, with a lifespan that can match existing storage technologies. Over time, Superdielectrics also believes it can close the density gap to lithium-ion, further shaking up the energy storage landscape. It said it is currently working on significant upgrades to its technology and will make ‘an important announcement about the development of its technology later in 2025’.

Working with E.ON will provide Superdielectrics with insights as to how its technology could work in the home. It’s claimed the partnership will allow it to fine-tune its technology and accelerate the development of a more affordable electricity storage system for domestic use.

“The energy transition is about making energy more affordable and more sustainable, and to do that we’re always looking for and encouraging new technologies to make energy better for customers,” said Julian Lennertz, chief commercial officer at E.ON Next.

“Whether our approach is in-house or through partnerships, we’re always looking to come up with new ways to benefit our customers and to make new energy work for everyone. Superdielectrics’ technology could be a vital part of creating a cleaner, lower-cost energy future for everyone.”