📋 Tender Overview
Grant agreement ID: 101311374
DOI
10.3030/101311374
EC signature date
24 June 2026
Start date
1 January 2027
End date
31 December 2030
Funded under
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Total cost
No data
EU contribution
€ 4 601 806,56
Objective
The ZEST project addresses global warming by advancing zinc-based battery technology, which offers a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. With global temperatures rising by 1.2°C since pre-industrial times, severe consequences like extreme weather and threats to food security have emerged. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is vital, but energy storage solutions are needed due to the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.
Lithium-ion batteries, while advanced, face limitations such as reliance on scarce materials like cobalt and lithium, environmental concerns, and safety risks, including fires and toxic leaks. The ZEST project focuses on zinc-based batteries, which are more sustainable, recyclable, and safer. Zinc is abundant and has a lower environmental impact, with easier recycling processes contributing to a circular economy.
Key objectives of ZEST include:
- Circularity and Recyclability: Utilizing abundant and non-toxic materials, zinc batteries support a closed-loop system with up to 90% material recovery.
- Battery Life Extension: Enhancing materials to prolong battery life and reduce costs.
- Safety: Developing non-flammable batteries to prevent overheating.
- Energy Density: Improving storage capacity for renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The project involves a consortium of experts and 15 Doctoral Candidates working on interconnected research projects, aiming to improve the performance, safety, and circularity of zinc batteries. By addressing these challenges, ZEST aims to contribute significantly to a sustainable and resilient energy future. The project’s focus on novel materials, designs, and processes will push the boundaries of zinc energy storage, making it a viable and superior alternative to current lithium-ion technology. Through these efforts, ZEST seeks to support the global transition to renewable energy and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
