Northumbria University’s Biodegradable Battery Wins Prestigious Green Product Award
A groundbreaking biodegradable battery developed by researchers at Northumbria University has garnered the esteemed Green Product Award 2025, showcasing its potential to revolutionize sustainable energy solutions. The BioPower Cell stood out among approximately 2,000 entries from over 60 countries, emphasizing innovation, design, and commercial viability.
This eco-friendly battery is crafted entirely from biodegradable materials and foregoes the use of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other rare earth metals, which are often associated with significant environmental harm and recycling challenges. Once depleted, the BioPower Cell can be repurposed as a fertilizer, contributing positively to soil health and substantially reducing waste.
The award ceremony took place at the Swedish Embassy in Berlin, featuring a panel that praised the project for its unique organic composition and broad applicability, particularly in smart homes, green buildings, and off-grid communities. Dr. Ulugbek Azimov, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and the project’s lead researcher, expressed pride in gaining international recognition for their innovation, which addresses both the environmental impact of conventional batteries and the need for sustainable energy solutions.
With predictions of a looming lithium shortage by 2030, the BioPower Cell aims to alleviate this crisis by providing an alternative made from globally available organic waste. According to Dr. Azimov, this technology can reduce battery waste by 50%, energy costs by 80%, and carbon emissions by 60%, creating a pathway towards more affordable and green energy.
Northumbria University’s achievement at the Green Product Awards underscores its commitment to environmental innovation, laying the groundwork for a future where sustainability and energy efficiency go hand-in-hand. The research team, supported by Northern Accelerator grants, is now focused on establishing a spinout company to bring the BioPower Cell to market, with promising commercial prospects ahead.
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