Indonesian researchers replace commercial iron sources with recycled industrial materials, achieving competitive performance specs and testing the prototype on electric bikes.

Bogor, W Java (Indonesia Window) — A research team from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has successfully developed Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) batteries by substituting commercially sourced iron (Fe) with materials derived from iron and steel industrial waste, marking a significant step toward domestically self-sufficient battery production.

The innovation was unveiled at a series of international scientific events — the ‘Workshop on 2D Functional Materials for Energy, Environment, and Health Application’ and a focus group discussion on ‘Rare Earth Elements: Potential Resources and Downstream Prospects’ — held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD in Tangerang on Wednesday (Apr. 15).

The development also encompasses exploration of alternative lithium (Li) sources, including seawater and bittern, as part of a broader push toward strategic material supply independence.

Bittern is the concentrated residual liquid produced as a byproduct of sea salt crystallization. Rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium, it is widely used in health supplements, tofu coagulants, and skincare products.

Competitive specifications

Performance testing of the BRIN-developed batteries yielded results comparable to commercial products. The cells achieved a specific capacity of 140–160 mAh/g, an operating voltage range of 2.5–3.7 V, and a nominal voltage of 3.2 V — consistent with standard LFP system characteristics.

The batteries also demonstrated high thermal stability, reducing the risk of overheating, along with stable cycle durability exceeding 100 cycles and a Coulombic efficiency above 95 percent.

Prototypes have been produced in multiple formats, from coin cells to cylindrical 18650 cells, which can be assembled into large-scale modules.

From lab to road

In a collaborative effort with state-owned electricity enterprise PLN Indonesia Power and state Sebelas Maret University (UNS), BRIN researchers modified LFP cathode and graphite anode materials to produce a refined lithium-ion battery cell prototype.

The partnership yielded 450 cylindrical 18650-type battery cells, which were assembled into a battery pack and field-tested on an electric bicycle (e-bike). The trial demonstrated promising performance as a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solution to support the country's energy transition.

Head of BRIN's Energy Materials Research Center, Gerald Ensang Timuda, underscored the strategic importance of mastering battery technology for national industrial competitiveness.

Indonesia's battery industry remains heavily dominated by assembly activities with a high degree of dependence on foreign technology, he noted.

"It is essential to encourage domestic industry to adopt national research outputs, so that a self-reliant, domestically driven battery industry ecosystem can be created. Optimizing the use of local raw materials is key to strengthening the supply chain while reducing import dependency," Gerald said.

The locally sourced battery innovation is expected to support Indonesia's Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060 and accelerate the deployment of new and renewable energy through reliable energy storage systems.

Reporting by Indonesia Window