Europe’s next-generation submarines are getting a lithium-ion battery upgrade

European defense contractor Saft is set to supply lithium-ion battery systems for the next generation of naval submarines, replacing decades-old lead-acid technology with EV-style packs that promise higher energy density, faster charging, and superior underwater endurance.

Naval Group announced plans to install Saft’s proprietary lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the Barracuda and Scorpene Class nuclear submarines, where they’re expected to offer a major improvement over the lead-acid batteries that have been in service on nuclear submarines since the Cold War.

And, yes: nuclear submarines have batteries. Lots of them, in fact!

Oooh … Barracuda

The reactor inside a submarine generates an enormous supply of energy through nuclear fission, but the reactor itself doesn’t directly turn the propeller like an engine in a car. Instead, it produces heat that’s used to boil water. Boiling the water creates steam, which is used to generate electricity and power the submarine’s systems and propulsion equipment. But subs alsoneed a way to store electricity for moments when they need to operate as quietly as possible, respond quickly to changing power demands, or keep essential life-support systems running independently when the reactor is down. That’s where massive battery banks come in.

Those batteries store electricity and their weight is carefully integrated into the submarine’s design, helping the ship to maintain balance and stability. The bad part is that lead-acid batteries also take up a huge amount of valuable internal space.

Thanks to Saft’s new lithium-ion batteries, naval architects can pack more energy into a smaller, high-performance footprint, allowing submarines to spend longer periods operating on stored power while potentially freeing up room inside the hull and improving life at sea for sailors.

“This contract confirm that advanced battery technology is now a defining factor in submarine performance,” explains Cedric Duclos, Chief Executive Officer of Saft. “Our Li-ion systems set a new standard in energy density, safety and reliability, positioning Saft at the heart of next-generation naval defense programs. This is also a clear step forward for European technological sovereignty.”

Saft is a subsidiary of energy and petroleum giant TotalEnergies, who sees this contract as strengthening its position in European defense programs and confirming a growing demand for its advanced battery technology in maritime applications.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Saft; Naval News; via Interesting Engineering.

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