How Altech’s SNC UPS Battery Could Transform Europe’s Infrastructure Backup
Altech Batteries has completed the final design of its next-generation Sodium Nickel Chloride UPS battery system, setting the stage for factory testing and trial deployments across the Netherlands. This milestone marks a significant step toward broader European commercialisation.
- Final design of SNC UPS battery system completed
- Factory Acceptance Testing scheduled for March 2026
- Five Dutch trial sites secured for initial deployments
- System targets replacement of aging lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries
- Partnership with AMPower supports scalable European rollout
Final Design Milestone
Altech Batteries Limited has announced the completion of the final engineering design for its next-generation Sodium Nickel Chloride (SNC) UPS battery system. This achievement marks a pivotal transition from development to early-stage commercial deployment, underscoring Altech’s commitment to advancing safer, maintenance-free battery solutions for critical infrastructure.
The SNC UPS system is engineered to serve demanding uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications across Europe, particularly in gas pipeline infrastructure and heavy industry. Its fireproof, hydrogen-free, and maintenance-free design addresses growing regulatory and environmental pressures that challenge traditional lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery technologies.
Upcoming Factory Acceptance Testing and Trials
The first production unit is slated for Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in mid-March 2026. This rigorous process will validate the system’s electrical performance, safety features, and integration capabilities. Successful FAT will unlock the deployment of five trial units across strategically selected sites in the Netherlands, chosen for their diverse UPS environments including gas transmission and industrial safety networks.
These trials will provide critical real-world data on performance metrics such as cycling durability, temperature resilience, and integration with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. This data will be instrumental in convincing broader European infrastructure operators of the SNC system’s reliability and operational advantages.
Strategic Partnership and Market Positioning
Altech’s collaboration with AMPower, the world’s largest producer of sodium-nickel-chloride solid-state batteries, strengthens its manufacturing and distribution capabilities. AMPower’s established production expertise combined with Altech’s engineering leadership creates a scalable pathway to commercialisation across Europe, Australia, and the United States.
The Netherlands serves as a strategic entry point due to its advanced infrastructure and stringent regulatory environment, providing an ideal proving ground for the technology. The SNC battery’s compatibility with existing UPS infrastructure, requiring no modifications to inverters or wiring, further reduces barriers to adoption.
Broader Industry Implications
As lead-acid batteries near end-of-life and nickel-cadmium units face increasing environmental scrutiny, Altech’s SNC technology offers a compelling alternative. Its solid-state chemistry, derived from proven ZEBRA technology, delivers long life, passive cooling, and a high safety profile suitable for hazardous and ATEX-classified zones.
With growing interest from European, Australian, and US operators, the SNC UPS system could redefine backup power standards in sectors where safety and reliability are paramount. The upcoming FAT and subsequent field trials will be critical in validating these claims and accelerating market adoption.
Bottom Line?
The March 2026 Factory Acceptance Testing will be a decisive moment, potentially unlocking a new era for maintenance-free, fireproof battery systems in Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the SNC UPS system meet performance and safety expectations during FAT?
- How quickly can Altech scale production if trials prove successful?
- What regulatory hurdles remain for widespread European adoption?
