UK Commits £452 Million to Advance Battery Innovation and Clean Energy Leadership

The UK government has unveiled a substantial £452 million commitment to its Battery Innovation Programme, a strategic component of the nation's broader Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan.

This major funding initiative underscores the government’s vision to accelerate battery research, innovation, and manufacturing scale-up—aiming to cement the UK's standing as a global hub for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing through the next decade and beyond.

Designed to spark cross-industry innovation, the programme encourages partnerships between academic institutions and the private sector, facilitating the translation of cutting-edge research into commercially viable solutions. By enabling technology transfer and attracting investment in battery-related infrastructure such as gigafactories and supply networks, the programme is expected to generate quality employment opportunities and boost economic growth.

The initiative builds on the UK’s existing strengths in battery science and engineering, with a focus on developing batteries that are more affordable, efficient, sustainable, and recyclable. It also seeks to enhance domestic capabilities in emerging battery chemistries, including solid-state, lithium-sulfur, and sodium-ion technologies—ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of next-generation energy storage.

To lead the programme, Valentina Gentili has been named as its new head. With over two decades of expertise in lithium-ion battery development and automotive R&D, Gentili previously held the role of Vice President of Global R&D at Agratas. There, she directed cross-functional teams across the UK and India to drive forward innovations in energy storage and align R&D strategies with commercial objectives.

“Joining the Battery Innovation Programme at this critical moment is an exciting opportunity,” Gentili commented. “The development of advanced battery technologies is essential to meeting our net-zero goals. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team and industry partners to push the boundaries of innovation and create tangible impact.”