Innovation of the year – technology

Circular BioEnergy Technologies is redefining sustainable energy storage in the built environment with its BioPower Cells – biodegradable household batteries made from organic waste that are both safe and fully recyclable.

 

Last year the team reached several milestones, including improving the cells’ energy density and optimising their biodegradability. Tests show that 85% of the battery components can now be broken down into ionic fertiliser at the end of their life.

 

The team also secured partnerships with suppliers of organic waste, further strengthening their supply chain and helping to stabilise production costs, ensuring viability as demand grows. Circular BioEnergy is also developing a ‘smart materials’ database, which leverages AI to design and output high-performance feedstock recipes to produce the batteries’ main components. This enables the team to select the most suitable materials for specific battery applications, ensuring optimal performance, reducing research and development time, bringing down costs and accelerating market-readiness.

 

From reducing the weight of power banks to providing sustainable battery solutions in housing retrofit, industry leaders are already recognising the game-changing potential of this solution. 

 

The judges said:

“This is an exceptionally strong submission, presenting a truly great innovation with clear environmental, economic, and industry-transforming benefits. It offers a transformative solution for the housing and built environment sectors”