zinc-based battery cells

Development of

with 1 MWh storage capacity

up to the system

The challenges

Safe, Cost-Efficient & Locally Produced Energy Storage – in Partnership with NES NextGen Energy Solutions

hilabs and NES NextGen Energy Solutions (NES) combine their expertise to deliver a new generation of sustainable energy storage solutions – safe, simple, locally manufactured, and economically attractive.

Together, we tackle the key challenges facing renewable energy providers today:

  • Feed-In no longer paid: Direct energy feed-in is not always compensated.

  • Fluctuating energy prices: Peak demand periods can result in high energy costs.

  • Curtailment of renewables: Excess green energy is wasted during periods of low demand.

  • Safety costs for Lithium-Ion ESS: Fire prevention and safety systems add significant cost.

Our solutions

The secure cell from hilabs

At hilabs, we develop and manufacture non-flammable, zinc-based battery cells with a lifetime of over 25 years – produced locally, cost-effectively, and using abundant raw materials.

  • Safe battery cell: Our non-flammable zinc cells deliver competitive performance without lithium or cobalt.

  • Simple & Robust production: We use commodity materials and a streamlined production process that scales easily.

  • Local supply chain: A de-risked, local-for-local supply chain ensures independence from global disruptions.

  • High growth market: The stationary storage market is growing by more than 20% annually – and we offer the right cell technology.

From raw material mixing to electrode production to module assembly with integrated electronics – we cover the full manufacturing process.

The complete system from NES

NES integrates our cells into turnkey energy storage systems (ESS) that offer over 40% cost savings compared to lithium-based alternatives.

  • Turnkey systems: NES delivers grid-ready systems that easily integrate into existing infrastructure.

  • Cost advantage: Our cell technology enables NES to offer highly cost-effective storage solutions.

  • Operation & Maintenance: NES provides remote monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term performance.

  • Project delivery: NES manages the full process – from module integration to final system installation.

Joint quality promise

Our joint quality management system ensures excellence across the entire value chain:

  • quality planning: Data-driven planning, process audits, and change management.

  • Supplier quality: Careful supplier management and part qualification.

  • Production quality: In-line quality control, end-of-line testing, and lab-based verification.

  • Customer quality: Product conformity audits, field data analysis, and continuous improvement.

Our Products

Who is buying and using our products?

Peak shaving

Arbitrage

Backup power

The future of energy storage – a holistic approach

Product and technology

  • Competitive ESS performance

    Long service life >10,000 cycles            (≙ ~25 years)

  • Safe product

    Non-flammable thanks to a water-based solution

  • Cost-effective & simple production

    40 % cheaper than LIB; <€0.05 /kWh LCOS
    Production CapEx reduced by 40 % compared to LIB

  • Sustainable & resilient raw materials

    No lithium, no cobalt, no nickel; raw material-based materials with a local supply chain

Business model

  • Proof of Concept 2026

    Production of 0.1 GWh in Nordhorn as proof of concept and basis for scaling decision

  • Rapid industrialization & growth

    Scaling up to 5 GWh capacity in giga-factory after 2026 scaling decision

  • Secure state support

    Local partnerships established; support from the state of Lower Saxony secured

  • Diversified customer portfolio

    Relevant applications for utilities, trade & industry, and private households

We have recognized the problems of lithium batteries – and solved them

  • The product is deliberately kept simple and clear in its application
  • The production process is efficient, with low CapEx and low energy consumption
  • We focus on one product line for maximum scalability
  • The cell materials come from a local, stable supply chain
  • An experienced team ensures professional implementation and support

Cell

Modules

System

Container