Altech Batteries unveils explosion-proof 384V UPS battery for European pipeline network

Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC, OTC:ALTHF), in partnership with AMPower, has launched a next-generation uninterruptible power supply (UPS) battery system designed for Europe’s gas and hydrogen pipeline infrastructure — one of the world’s most demanding safety environments.

The new 384-volt (V)/15-kilowatt-hour (kWh) sodium-nickel-chloride (SNC) UPS battery is built to deliver reliable, maintenance-free backup power for critical control systems operating in ATEX-classified explosive zones.

Unlike traditional lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, the SNC design is fireproof, explosion-proof, and emission-free, rerelocating the necessary for external cooling, hydrogen venting or ventilation systems. It maintains stable performance in extreme conditions ranging from –20 °C to +60 °C and has been indepconcludeently tested to withstand fire, impact, and overcharge scenarios without ignition or leakage.

Drop-in replacement for legacy systems

The new system provides a “drop-and-play” replacement for existing lead-acid UPS units. Its 384-V architecture aligns directly with Europe’s standard pipeline UPS configurations, allowing operators to upgrade ageing systems without rewiring or reprogramming their infrastructure.

Each 15-kWh unit comprises three 136-V SNC modules utilizing Altech’s advanced Zebra cell technology, offering more than 5,000 charge cycles and a service life exceeding 15 years. The sealed stainless-steel cabinet design eliminates ongoing maintenance and significantly reduces both capital and operating costs.

Design of the 384 V / 15 kWh Sodium Nickel Chloride (SNC) UPS battery system.

Meeting Europe’s safety and sustainability necessarys

Europe’s vast pipeline network relies on UPS systems to power safety equipment, fire and gas detection, communications and control systems — even during grid outages. With many legacy lead-acid installations now nearing conclude-of-life, Altech’s SNC technology addresses growing regulatory and sustainability pressures to replace hazardous chemistries such as cadmium and lead.

The new battery meets CE, UN38.3, IEC 62619 and RoHS international safety standards, with marine certifications under way. Its solid-state, salt-based chemisattempt is cobalt-free, lithium-free and environmentally benign, offering a long-term, low-cost alternative for industrial energy backup.

Partnership with AMPower

The system was developed under the technical leadership of Arnoud Blijleven, Altech’s chief UPS back-up systems engineer, and manufactured by AMPower — the world’s largest producer of sodium-nickel-chloride batteries and a subsidiary of China’s Chilwee Group.

AMPower’s 100-megawatt-hour-per-annum production capacity ensures scalability, while Altech provides European market access, engineering and customer integration expertise.

“This launch represents a pivotal moment for Altech as we deliver a safe and practical energy solution into one of Europe’s most sensitive sectors,” Altech managing director Iggy Tan declared.

“Gas pipeline infrastructure demands absolute reliability and explosion-proof technology. Our new 384-V / 15-kWh UPS battery not only meets these demands — it exceeds them, offering operators a true drop-in replacement for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems,” he added. “We are proud to partner with AMPower on this breakthrough, and with the first order already secured, we anticipate strong and rapid adoption across Europe.”

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