Cosmos Lab Officially Unveils "100% Non-Flammable" Aqueous Zinc-Halogen Battery for ESS

Cosmos Lab has officially unveiled its "100% non-flammable (incombustible)" aqueous zinc-halogen battery for ESS (Energy Storage Systems). This technology is drawing attention as an alternative capable of overcoming the structural limitations of lithium-based batteries, which have been highlighted by recent large-scale data center fires.

Cosmos Lab has demonstrated, for the first time in the world, an energy density of approximately 170 Wh/kg at the cell level and a standard 50Ah prismatic form factor, and has also presented a roadmap for scaling up to 70Ah and beyond. Since 2021, the company has independently developed and internalized all key components, including separators, cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, current collectors, and operation technology. As a result, Cosmos Lab has achieved the high energy and non-flammability targets pursued by sodium-ion and LFP-based lithium-ion batteries using aqueous technology. The company has secured price competitiveness, reaching the low price levels of globally mainstream LFP-based lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, even without adopting the total cost of ownership (TCO) concept. In addition, it offers the clear advantage of "100% non-flammability," achieving clear differentiation.

In particular, unlike existing special form factors such as redox flow batteries, Cosmos Lab's solution uses the same prismatic form factor for ESS as lithium-ion batteries, ensuring high compatibility and enabling direct application to existing infrastructure. This aqueous zinc-halogen battery incorporates a "complete halogen fixation system" that blocks halogen migration and loss, and features a newly designed balance among density, safety, and lifespan.

While most existing aqueous batteries have struggled to exceed 1Ah capacity and have remained at the small-scale experimental stage, Cosmos Lab has achieved a structural innovation suitable for large-scale commercialization. By combining the combustion-suppressing properties of bromine-based halogens with a water-based electrolyte, the company has fundamentally eliminated fire risk.

The battery also stands out for its performance and cost-effectiveness. The 100% non-flammable design blocks the chain reaction of combustion spread at the cell level, and compared to lithium-based batteries, requirements for spacing, cooling, and fire suppression systems are greatly reduced, allowing installation capacity within the same space to be increased by up to two times. In addition, 100% SOC (state of charge) utilization is possible, resulting in an effective capacity increase of about 30% and an initial investment cost reduction of up to 40%. These structural advantages significantly improve operational efficiency for ESS operators.

A Cosmos Lab representative stated, "We are currently operating a pilot line, producing prototypes and verifying performance. Our goal is to begin full-scale mass production in 2026, using industry-standard prismatic cells to ensure high compatibility with existing ESS infrastructure. We also plan to start global sales from 2026 and have already begun preparations for certification. Furthermore, we will lead the global standardization of Korean technology by proposing IEC international standards and promoting the establishment of KS standards."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.