Certain Energy, a UK-based long-duration energy storage company, has successfully raised £10m in a Series A funding round to advance its pioneering manganese flow battery technology. The funding, which includes investment from Temasek Trust’s Catalytic Capital for Climate and Health (C3H), aims to commercialise the technology and facilitate its deployment to stabilise power grids during periods of low renewable energy production.
The funding round was led by the British Business Bank, with participation from Centrica and Ceres Power Holdings. The investment will support the development of a grid-connected system in India, expansion of research facilities in the UK, and the establishment of a supply chain for replicable projects. Certain Energy’s technology, which uses manganese, an abundant element, offers a scalable and cost-effective solution for long-duration energy storage, crucial for integrating renewable energy into power grids.
Mark Selby, Executive Chair of Certain Energy, highlighted the importance of long-duration energy storage, stating, “The renewable power market is held back by its vulnerability to external factors.” He noted that the UK Government spent £1.5b last year to manage peak renewable production, a cost expected to rise significantly by 2030.
The technology promises over 75% round-trip efficiency and a 20-year operating life, making it competitive with lithium-ion batteries. Tim von Werne, CEO of Certain Energy, emphasised the potential impact, saying, “Long-duration storage is the missing piece of the clean energy system.”
As renewable energy deployment accelerates globally, the need for reliable, long-duration storage solutions becomes increasingly critical. Certain Energy’s innovative approach could play a significant role in achieving energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
