ZNL Energy

ZNL Energy is a Norwegian battery technology company focused on improving the safety, longevity and resource efficiency of rechargeable batteries. Its core innovation, the ZNL-NPx separator, is a non-porous, fire-retardant separator designed for lithium-ion, sodium-ion and zinc-ion battery chemistries. According to the company, the separator eliminates thermal runaway risk, extends cell lifespan and improves stability under demanding conditions without relying on scarce or hazardous materials. ZNL Energy positions itself as a technology provider for battery cell manufacturers rather than a cell producer itself, and is preparing ZNL-NPx for large-scale production. In parallel, ZNL Energy has developed a fully functional zinc-ion battery cell aimed at stationary energy storage. This technology is offered through a licensing model that includes technical support and know-how transfer, allowing partners to manufacture the cells. The company's stated mission is to ensure that alternatives exist to current battery technologies, enabling a safer and more sustainable battery industry. ZNL Energy AS was established in December 2021, building on concept development that began in 2012 and a proof of concept in 2019. The company demonstrated its first-generation zinc-ion battery cell in June 2022 and a pre-A prototype in December 2022. In 2023 it established a new separator for lithium-ion batteries and began pre-engineering a center of excellence. Its roadmap includes entering the European and US markets in 2024–2026, a customer qualification plant in 2026–2027, and a giga-scale factory in 2027. The company has gained recognition in the Nordic startup ecosystem, being selected as a finalist for the Nordic Startup Pitch at TechBBQ 2025. It has also reported that a major Japanese OEM confirmed high-performance results using the ZNL-NPx separator, and it signed an extended Memorandum of Understanding with HPB at the Future of Batteries Summit. ZNL Energy is privately held and headquartered in Norway.

ZNL Energy's origins trace back to 2012, when concept development began for its battery technologies. A proof of concept was achieved in 2019. The company was formally established as ZNL Energy AS in December 2021 in Norway. In April 2022, a concept demonstration took place, followed by the first-generation zinc-ion battery cell in June 2022. By December 2022, a second prototype—the pre-A zinc-ion battery cell—was completed. In the first quarter of 2023, ZNL Energy established a new separator for lithium-ion batteries, which became known as the ZNL-NPx separator. In the second quarter of 2023, the company began pre-engineering a center of excellence. The period 2023–2024 was dedicated to lab production. The company's roadmap for 2024–2026 targets entry into the European and US markets, followed by a customer qualification plant in 2026–2027 and a giga-scale factory in 2027 at several locations. ZNL Energy has positioned itself as a technology provider for battery cell manufacturers. Its flagship ZNL-NPx separator is a non-porous, fire-retardant separator for lithium-ion, sodium-ion and zinc-ion batteries, designed to eliminate thermal runaway risk, extend lifespan and improve stability without scarce or hazardous materials. In parallel, the company developed a zinc-ion battery cell for stationary energy storage, available for license-based production with technical support and know-how transfer. In July 2025, ZNL Energy was selected as a finalist for the Nordic Startup Pitch at TechBBQ 2025. It also announced that a major Japanese OEM confirmed high-performance results using the ZNL-NPx separator, and signed an extended Memorandum of Understanding with HPB at the Future of Batteries Summit. The company remains privately held and continues to work toward scaling its technologies.

• 2026

  Planned customer qualification plant (2026–2027)

• 2025

  Selected as finalist for Nordic Startup Pitch at TechBBQ 2025

• 2025

  Major Japanese OEM confirms high-performance results using ZNL-NPx separator

• 2025

  Extended Memorandum of Understanding signed with HPB

• 2024

  Planned entry into European and US markets (2024–2026)

• 2023

  Established new separator for lithium-ion batteries (ZNL-NPx)

• 2023

  Pre-engineering the center of excellence

• 2023

  Lab production period begins (2023–2024)

• 2022

  Concept demonstration

• 2022

  First-generation zinc-ion battery cell developed

• 2022

  Second prototype (pre-A zinc-ion battery cell) completed

• 2021

  ZNL Energy AS established

• 2019

  Proof of concept achieved

• 2012

  Concept development begins

• Planned giga-scale factory at several locations

Technology provider for battery cell manufacturers, offering safer and more sustainable battery components and licensing.

• ZNL-NPx separator

  A non-porous, fire-retardant separator for lithium-ion, sodium-ion and zinc-ion batteries that eliminates thermal runaway risk, extends battery lifespan and improves stability without scarce or hazardous materials. Engineered for scalable manufacturing and being prepared for large-scale production.

• Zinc-ion battery cell

  A fully functional zinc-ion battery cell for stationary energy storage, available for license-based production with technical support and know-how transfer.

1. 1ZNL Energy | ZNL Energyznlenergy.com
2. 2About v2 | ZNL Energyznlenergy.com
3. 3ZNL Energy - Wikidatawikidata.org