INTERVIEW WITH JEAN-MARIE DOUX – SAFT
Sulfur is abundant, lightweight, and inexpensive, reducing both the cost and the environmental impact compared to cobalt- and nickel-based chemistries.
Jean-Marie Doux, researcher at SAFT, explains in this interview the development of advanced batteries and how lithium-sulphur batteries are a better alternative.
What experience does Saft bring to the development of advanced batteries in this project?
Saft brings a century of expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced batteries for demanding applications such as aerospace, defence, and industrial mobility. Its experience includes developing high-performance cells, ensuring safety in critical environments, and scaling innovative chemistries for industrial production. In the TALISSMAN project, Saft leverages this know-how to integrate advanced materials and optimize processes for lithium–sulphur technology. This ensures that the project’s innovations can move from laboratory research to practical, market-ready solutions.
Why could lithium–sulphur batteries be a better alternative to the ones we use today?
Lithium–sulphur batteries offer significant advantages over conventional lithium-ion technology. They provide much higher energy density, enabling both electric aircraft designs and longer operating times for heavy-duty and off-road vehicles. Sulfur is abundant, lightweight, and inexpensive, reducing both the cost and the environmental impact compared to cobalt- and nickel-based chemistries. Additionally, Li–S technology can incorporate safer electrolytes and have the potential to deliver faster charging, minimising downtime in demanding industrial environments.
How could your work in TALISSMAN benefit electric mobility in Europe?
The TALISSMAN project aims to deliver safer, more efficient batteries that can transform aviation and heavy-duty and off-road mobility in Europe by meeting the stringent requirements of aerospace systems. With energy densities up to 550 Wh/kg, these batteries can significantly reduce weight, which is critical for improving aircraft efficiency and payload capacity. Enhanced safety through solid or quasi-solid electrolytes addresses the high safety standards of aviation environments. Additionally, the project promotes the use of abundant, low-cost materials, reducing dependency on critical raw materials and supporting Europe’s strategic autonomy. These advancements align with the European Green Deal by enabling cleaner, more efficient transport solutions.