BREAKING NEWS: Altech Batteries has just confirmed the completion of its final engineering design for the game-changing sodium-nickel-chloride (SNC) battery system, marking a significant leap towards production set to begin in March 2026. This milestone positions Altech to deliver its innovative 400-volt batteries directly to critical gas pipeline facilities and industrial plants across the Netherlands.
The company announced today that the inaugural SNC system is now scheduled for full factory acceptance testing (FAT) in mid-March 2026. Following this crucial assessment, the batteries will be immediately dispatched to five operational sites in the Netherlands, encompassing vital gas transmission stations and heavy-industrial backup locations. These installations are primed to replace outdated lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems, offering a safer, more efficient alternative with zero active cooling requirements.
Altech’s SNC cabinets, standing at 2 meters tall, contain four “ZEBRA-type” modules capable of delivering 384 volts at 82 ampere-hours and storing approximately 35 kilowatt-hours of energy. Notably, these batteries can function in extreme temperatures ranging from –40 degrees to 55 degrees centigrade, making them suitable for various global environments.
As operators across Europe grapple with aging lead-acid systems and increasing regulatory pressure on cadmium-based technologies, Altech’s SNC batteries present a timely solution. The company’s Managing Director, Iggy Tan, emphasized the importance of this development:
“Completing the final design shifts the program from development into real-world deployment, and the upcoming FAT in mid-March 2026 will be a pivotal moment.”
With AMPower, the largest producer of sodium-nickel-chloride cells globally, overseeing production, Altech retains control over specifications, branding, and distribution. Success in the Netherlands, known for its stringent regulatory standards, will provide invaluable reference points for broader European markets.
This development comes at a crucial time as Europe faces a wave of end-of-life lead-acid banks needing replacement. The urgency for reliable energy storage solutions has never been greater, especially in the oil and gas sector, where safety is paramount.
Altech’s SNC systems promise a straightforward drop-in retrofit without requiring inverter changes, rectifier upgrades, or new wiring. This simplicity is set to revolutionize how utilities approach energy storage, enhancing safety and efficiency.
As the countdown to production begins, industry observers are keenly watching how these salt-based batteries will perform against traditional lithium-ion counterparts. The first installations are anticipated to provide critical real-world data on performance, cycling, and maintenance, showcasing the advantages of Altech’s innovative technology.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story, marking a potential turning point in energy storage solutions across Europe and beyond.
