Brisbane-based ASX-listed battery company Li-S Energy has been awarded a grant of just over $1.35 million from the Commonwealth Government as part of the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships (EATP) program.
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The purpose of the grant is to enable Li-S Energy, in partnership with Australian companies V-TOL Aerospace and HaloCell, to develop a drone that integrates Li-S’ next-generation batteries and advanced solar cells that can be deployed from ‘dawn to dusk’ without landing or recharging.
Li-S Energy CEO Lee Finniear said, “This is an exciting opportunity for Li-S Energy, working with our partners V-TOL Aerospace and HaloCell, to demonstrate how our advanced, lightweight lithium sulfur and lithium metal batteries can extend UAV flight times and mission capability. The collaboration is targeting the development of a family of surveillance drones powered by Li-S Energy batteries.”
V-TOL Aerospace managing director Mark Xavier said, “Winning this grant is a significant acknowledgement by Government that the work V-TOL, Li-S Energy and HaloCell are conducting is of national importance. This exciting opportunity, will enable our sovereign technology collaboration to design, develop & manufacture a family of world leading energy sustainable drones.”
Using Australian-patented IP from Deakin University, Li-S Energy’s advanced batteries are far lighter than lithium-ion, making them ideal for drones, electric aircraft and defence applications.
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The company’s technology is well advanced, and it is currently finalising commissioning a Phase 3, 2MWh production facility in Geelong that is one of the most sophisticated battery production and testing facilities in the country.
