Skeleton Technologies, an Estonian manufacturer of ultracapacitors and SuperBatteries, is set to receive €51 million from the German government and the state of Saxony towards its second production unit, to be built in Leipzig.
SuperFactory for SuperBatteries
The plant, supported by funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate and the EUBatin project, is expected to boost the company’s output by up to 40 times, allowing it to produce around 12 million ultracapacitors and SuperBatteries annually while slashing production costs.
The efficiency will come from the partnership with Siemens, which will help to automate and digitize the plant. The total cost of the project has previously been estimated at €220M.
Skeleton’s existing production plant in Dresden would not have been able to keep up with the rapidly growing demand from its customers, including Shell, Honda, Siemens and CAF. The company plans to launch the new plant next year and expects it to contribute significantly to doubling its turnover. Taavi Madiberk, the company’s executive manager, described the market potential of Skeleton’s products as “remarkable,” estimating it to be €95 billion.
“We are seen as one of the leaders of the European battery industry and our products as a foundation for other technologies necessary for the green transition,” Madiberk said, per ERR.
Rendering of the new Skeleton Technologies plant in Leipzig
Pushing the greener economy
Ultracapacitors and SuperBatteries represent innovative battery technologies that are particularly important in the global push towards a greener economy. Unlike conventional batteries, which store energy electrochemically, ultracapacitors store energy as an electric field between two conducting plates. This allows them to charge and discharge quickly, making them ideal for use in applications requiring rapid power delivery, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy systems.
SuperBatteries, on the other hand, are a hybrid between batteries and ultracapacitors, providing both high energy density and rapid charging capabilities. They have the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry, making it possible to store renewable energy more efficiently and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
They have also been seen in action. In 2022 Skeleton partnered with Shell to offer electrification solutions for off-road mining vehicles. The consortium aims to reduce the mining industry’s carbon footprint while remaining cost-competitive against diesel-powered operations.
Skeleton supercapacitor production in Grossröhrsdorf, Germany
As the world shifts towards a low-carbon future, the demand for ultracapacitors and SuperBatteries is expected to grow rapidly. In addition to their use in EVs and renewable energy systems, they also have applications in industries such as aerospace, telecommunications and robotics.
Another push for the faster adoption of next-gen EV tech is the looming ban on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. In February 2023, The European Parliament formally approved a law to effectively ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the European Union from 2035, pushing the greener future closer. Estonia, which aims to be the world leader in per capita renewables production, is ready to back those ambitions in CleanTeach and Energy sectors.
Interested in investing in Estonia? Find out more about the country’s energy sector here and book a time via e-Consulting to speak to your personal advisor.
