The UK’s race to lead the global clean-energy transition has taken a decisive step forward, with a new national collaboration set to accelerate the pace of battery development.
The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Hartree Centre and the Faraday Institution have joined forces to fuse cutting-edge battery science with the UK’s most advanced computing power.
Their mission: to fast-track breakthroughs that will strengthen British industry, boost energy security and drive the nation closer to its net zero ambitions.
Dr Kate Royse, Director of the STFC Hartree Centre, explained: “I’m excited to be working with the Faraday Institution to accelerate battery innovation in the UK.
“By combining the Hartree Centre’s leading expertise in AI and high-performance computing with the Faraday Institution’s world-class research in battery technology, we can help industry and scientists develop new solutions faster and more efficiently.
“Together, we’re building vital digital skills, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in battery innovation, and supporting the nation’s economic growth and net zero goals.”
Harnessing world-leading expertise
Under a newly signed statement of endeavour, the organisations will combine their respective strengths: the Faraday Institution’s cutting-edge battery research and the Hartree Centre’s world-class digital innovation capabilities.
By merging scientific insight with high-performance computing, AI and advanced modelling, the partnership aims to unlock breakthroughs that can transform the way next-generation batteries are designed, tested and commercialised.
The Hartree Centre, based at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory within the Liverpool City Region, is the country’s premier supercomputing hub dedicated to industrial and public-sector innovation.
Its experts specialise in AI, data analytics and high-performance computing – capabilities increasingly essential for accelerating energy-storage research.
Meanwhile, the Faraday Institution serves as the UK’s independent authority on electrochemical energy storage, bringing together researchers, businesses and policymakers.
Its mission spans fundamental science, skills development and early-stage commercialisation, all focused on improving battery performance and scaling technologies for industry.
Advancing AI-driven battery innovation
At the heart of the collaboration is a shared commitment to harnessing digital tools to enhance battery design.
The teams are exploring AI-driven battery modelling and simulation, enabling faster experimentation, more accurate performance predictions and reduced battery development costs.
By integrating UK expertise into unified digital workflows, the initiative aims to boost industrial productivity and help companies bring new products to market faster.
The partnership also plans to deliver specialist training for researchers and engineers in academia and industry.
These programmes will build national skills in AI, advanced simulation and high-performance computing – competencies increasingly vital for modern battery development.
Longer term, the collaboration seeks to establish an international consortium focused on producing exascale-ready simulation software for future battery technologies.
Professor Martin Freer, Chief Executive Officer of the Faraday Institution, added: “The collaboration has exciting potential to deliver an advantage to the UK for battery research and manufacturing.
“By combining the unique capability of our two organisations, the goal is to accelerate battery technology from lab to market, strengthen the UK’s high-tech manufacturing sector, further UK research objectives and industry capabilities, and the adoption of digital technologies – aligning with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy.”
Why strengthening UK battery development matters
As electric vehicles, renewable power storage and portable electronics reshape global markets, strong domestic battery capabilities are becoming strategically essential.
For the UK, advancing innovation in this sector is crucial not only for economic growth but also for energy security and meeting net zero commitments.
Building world-leading expertise in battery development allows the UK to capture high-value manufacturing opportunities, reduce reliance on overseas supply chains and support emerging green industries.
The Hartree–Faraday partnership marks a significant step toward securing this competitive edge – ensuring the UK remains a leader in the technologies powering the transition to a low-carbon future.
