Innovating in the world of batteries

e-magy is developing a new battery material for the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. This new material is made from silicon. Batteries with these silicon anodes have a 40% higher energy density compared to graphite batteries and also charge faster.

The technology of e-magy is easily scalable. The material used is metallurgical silicon, which is relatively inexpensive, abundantly available in Europe, and environmentally friendly. Casper: “For the transition from fossil fuels to sustainably generated energy, it is essential that we use clean energy more efficiently. A good example is the electrification of mobility. We need more efficient, cheaper, and cleaner batteries that allow us to produce more compact and affordable electric vehicles. This can make electric driving accessible to many more people. That is one of the things e-magy makes possible.”

Challenge

E-magy challenges battery producers with its technology. Casper: “There is always healthy skepticism in the industry regarding material innovations. This is partly because for many producers it is a challenge to actually start manufacturing and scale up. We already have a pilot production line in place and are supplying customers who are developing new products with it. That gives us an advantage.”

The battery market is also challenging for many investors. Casper believes that Invest-NL distinguishes itself clearly: “Invest-NL, of course – like all other investors – has a return requirement. However, companies in advanced materials or deep tech often require more time than other companies, and not every investor has an affinity for that. On the other hand, ‘our type’ of companies – once they are in production – are future-proof, can serve a large market, and address a significant societal issue. Invest-NL understands this and dares to invest. And that is an important signal for other investors.” 

Bram: “It’s wonderful to hear that we have once again been able to fulfill our mission ‘to make financeable what seems unfinanceable’. That is something to be proud of.”

Value of the collaboration

For Invest-NL, the goal of the investment is to support E-magy in further developing and commercialising its product, thereby achieving the intended impact. This is not just about providing capital. Bram: “In my view, the value of the collaboration between E-magy and Invest-NL also lies in further professionalising the governance and organisation. But also in supporting the raising of capital for the first commercial production facility, I see a role for Invest-NL and the extensive network we have.”

Additionally, Invest-NL has a team specialising in ESG, supporting organisations to put this subject proportionally on the agenda. E-magy contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG13 (Climate Action). Bram: “The first two mainly through emission reductions in urban environments, the last two due to accelerating the transition to electric driving and thus the greening of mobility, reducing CO2 emissions per kilometre driven over the lifespan of a car.”

Desire for the future

A sustainable world is a desired future vision for Casper: “I wish for a world where the clean, healthy variant becomes the norm and is accessible to everyone, whether it concerns mobility, housing, food or otherwise. More efficient and cleaner batteries play a crucial role in greening mobility and other sectors. Of course, alongside political choices and behavioural change.” Bram agrees: “I hope that in 10 years, we as a society have widely accepted that emissions must be reduced and that significant action is taken. We need real gamechangers for this. Entrepreneurs who can disrupt an industry with their idea/product, like E-magy. And the beauty of Invest-NL is that we have the mandate to support these technologies.”