New Wales-Ireland research collaboration on cutting-edge battery technology
Swansea University and the University of Limerick have formed a pioneering research partnership to drive innovation in battery technology, collaborating on a project supported by the Wales-Ireland Research Alliance Award.
The project combines Swansea's expertise in battery materials and design with Limerick's advancements in component development to create cutting-edge sodium metal batteries that circumvent the need to handle sodium metal during manufacturing. The so-called "anode-free" solution.
Dr. Ashley Willow, project co-lead and Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Swansea University, said, "By using sodium—an abundant and widely available element—instead of lithium, we can develop batteries that are not only easier and more cost-effective to produce but will keep up with the upcoming boom in battery growth.
"Looking further ahead in battery technology, anode-free sodium-metal batteries can store and deliver more energy than established batteries such as lithium iron phosphate (LFP), with their lightweight design, making them ideal for battery use cases such as electric vehicles.
"Partnering with the University of Limerick allows us to accelerate this research, explore new ideas around extending the cycle life of anode-free batteries and bring us closer to the next generation of clean energy storage solutions."
The Research Alliance Award has allocated €73,155 to the Swansea-Limerick initiative as part of a wider €584,378 investment supporting eight collaborative projects between Wales and Ireland.
Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, said, "We want to create a dynamic future for ourselves, championing innovation and new technologies to support a greener Wales, with better health, better jobs and prosperity for all. The Research Alliance Award funding is a fantastic opportunity for academic organisations in Wales and Ireland to forge new partnerships in a bid to tackle complex challenges with government support—per the ambitions of the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021 to 2025."
Professor Paul Boyle, Universities Wales Chair and Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, added, "The UK's re-association to Horizon Europe in 2024 is a great opportunity for Welsh researchers to be part of the world's largest research collaboration programme. This joint programme between the Wales Innovation Network and Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland provides support for Welsh researchers to build new ties and strengthen existing partnerships with their Irish counterparts. I am delighted WIN can facilitate this initiative to showcase the excellence of Welsh research on an international stage and build collaborations to address global challenges."
The Swansea-Limerick project supports long-term energy resilience and industrial sustainability across Wales and Ireland.
With the global battery market expected to grow rapidly in the coming decade, these innovations will position both nations as leaders in clean energy research and strengthen their ability to compete for further European funding under Horizon Europe.
Dr. Ibrahim Aminu, project co-lead and Principal Investigator at the University of Limerick, said, "This project not only supports the advancement of battery technology but lays the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership between Limerick and Swansea, one that can address societal challenges while strengthening regional innovation."
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Founded in 1920, Swansea University is a research-led institution with two campuses along Swansea Bay in south Wales, UK. Its scenic beachfront location and welcoming atmosphere attract more than 28,000 students from around the world. The University offers approximately 450 undergraduate and 350 postgraduate programmes across three academic faculties.
In 2024, Swansea achieved its highest-ever ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reaching 298th globally and entering the top 300 for the first time. It was also named Welsh University of the Year 2025 by The Times and Sunday Times, and ranked 29th in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework rated 86% of Swansea's research and 91% of its research environment as world-leading or internationally excellent, with 86% of its research impact recognised as outstanding.
Swansea University is a registered charity. No. 1138342.
For more information, please contact Ffion White, Swansea University Press Office. Call 01792 602706, or email: f.e.white@swansea.ac.uk.
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