3ME Technology is an Australian company which has been working on battery systems for the ADF for the past few years.
Recently, they created a new form factor which mimics the size and weight (22 kg) of a 5 gallon Jerry Can, providing 24V 2.4 kWh. This means single person lift.
Weatherproof, they can be used alone or connected in serial (up to 10) for higher power requirements. What’s more, they are hot swappable while in serial.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (May 6, 2025) — Soldiers deploying in a wide range of climates for future conflicts will need batteries capable of powering their advanced electronics in extreme weather conditions. To meet these challenges, Army researchers are developing rechargeable batteries for Soldier-worn and handheld equipment with increased temperature ranges.
Initiatives to field Soldiers with next-generation equipment — such as night-vision devices, weapons, and radios — are driving the need to transition from single-use batteries to rechargeable versions, said Lexi Karalekas, an Army C5ISR Center chemical engineer.
The U.S. Army Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Centeris working to improve performance of these batteries in cold and hot weather to meet the demands of Soldier-missions across a broad range of environments. Researchers are conducting lab testing of the cell technology.
“Results at the cell level show a significant enhancement in performance at extreme temperatures, achieving a higher capacity when compared with commercial-off-the-shelf options,” said Karalekas, C5ISR Center’s lead for the battery development project. “Through collaboration with industry, we are demonstrating advancements that potentially double the operational range and duration of systems powered by the innovative technology. This will enable Soldiers to operate in previously inaccessible temperatures.”
The Army’s next step is to incorporate these specialized cells into a prototype of the Army’s most widely used standard battery across many Soldier-portable systems. Because of the battery’s widespread use by Soldiers, any new iterations can be easily accommodated as ‘drop-in’ replacements. The new prototype will be delivered in the near term to C5ISR Center for lab testing before multiple rounds of Soldier field testing in extreme temperatures.
Once prototypes have been tested successfully in one battery pack, the cells inside can be incorporated into other standard Army batteries, said Dr. Ashley Ruth, a C5ISR Center senior electrochemical engineer.
“The use of standard batteries allows multiple systems to quickly see the benefits of this new technology rather than redesigning and requalifying bespoke batteries as improvements in cell chemistries occur,” Ruth said.
In addition to Soldier handheld electronics, the Army is looking to incorporate the technology into other battery types for vehicles, unmanned aerial systems and sensors.
Since 2023, the C5ISR Center has partnered with the Department of Defense Industrial Base Policy Office and Defense Innovation Unit to incorporate more advanced standard batteries from commercial industry to power Army equipment. C5ISR Center’s expertise in battery research and Army equipment power needs is paired with DIU’s commercial industry reach, flexibility and rapid contracting ability.
The newly developed battery cells can also be integrated into industry applications as the Army increasingly looks to commercial technology to support field experimentation.
For example, the Army is developing a rechargeable standard cell — the Operational Single Cell for Accessory Readiness (OSCAR) — in the same form factor as the common AA commercial cell.
“This cell has voltage flexibility and increased cold and hot weather performance that commercial manufacturers can leverage,” said Jon Novoa, a C5ISR Center division chief. “The voltage flexibility of OSCAR and emerging standard batteries allows military capability developers to focus on system development and their areas of expertise without having to focus on energy storage.
“The C5ISR Center continues to lead the way in standardizing Army batteries and coordinates capabilities and requirements across government agencies.”
Feedback from field experimentation continues to drive Army R&D to ensure batteries meet performance specifications required where Soldiers operate.
“Army technical investment, combined with industry partnerships, remains critical to meet the unique power needs of Soldiers,” said C5ISR Center Director Beth Ferry.
By Dan Lafontaine, C5ISR Center Public Affairs
• Presentation of the next generation of the portable, field-proven JENNY series at Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in the USA
• Higher performance, better connectivity and increased user-friendliness
• Further development addresses increased demands of defence and public security forces
Brunnthal/Munich, Germany, 6 May 2025 – SFC Energy AG (“SFC”, F3C:DE, ISIN: DE0007568578), a leading provider of fuel cells for stationary, portable and mobile hybrid power solutions, presents its concept study for the further development of the field-proven and portable and tactical power generation solutions of the JENNY series (JENNY 600S and JENNY 1200), based on the proven direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology, at the Special Operations Forces Week (“SOF Week”) in Tampa, Florida/USA.
The development of the next generation of the JENNY series is focused on three key areas: increasing the rated power, improving connectivity with peripheral devices, and enhancing user-friendliness. With a rated power of up to 100 watts or 2,400 watt-hours, the new systems are expected to be twice as powerful as the current generation. The basic principle of integrating a direct methanol fuel cell and a battery in a compact housing remains, enabling the system to be stored in a backpack. The power supply can be used to supply various loads, even in parallel, in remote field applications and to recharge batteries without any additional chargers.
In addition, the further development of portable power supply solutions addresses the current needs of global user groups, particularly those in the defence and public safety sectors. The next generation will feature significantly expanded connectivity and additional interfaces to enable effortless connection to tactical smartphones and other portable systems. A specially developed app enables various parameters, such as battery charge status and current rated power, to be accessed and managed quickly and easily. This will considerably expand the range of applications and handling options, as well as improve user-friendliness.
The new generation will feature the key characteristics of the previous JENNY 600S and JENNY 1200 systems, which are highly valued by emergency services. These systems are characterised by their reliability, robustness and economical methanol fuel consumption.
This reduces the logistical effort required to supply fuel to emergency services.
Additionally, the systems are virtually silent, emission-free and signature-free. These features improve camouflage and make detection by enemy forces considerably more difficult. Furthermore, the solutions are designed to be lightweight, enabling a high degree of mobility for emergency services.
In recent years, the requirements for equipment carried by emergency services, such as special forces, military personnel and border guards, have changed significantly. The growing reliance on technical devices for communication, reconnaissance and navigation is increasing the demand for electrical power in the field. Battery-powered drones, satellite-based systems, location and identification sensors, and communication systems, for example, must be able to operate reliably in the field and be supplied with electrical power accordingly. SFC’s new generation of portable power solutions in the JENNY series responds to these increased requirements and developments from user groups in the defence and public safety sectors.
Manufacturing of the next generation of the JENNY series will take place at facilities in Germany and India, and in the process of setting up production in the United States. Florian Taschke, CTO of SFC Energy AG:
“SFC has more than 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing fuel cell systems. With the JENNY series of power supply solutions, we have hardened the technology for extreme requirements to such an extent that it has set standards for defense and public security organisations.”
Christian Böhm, Senior Vice President of SFC Energy AG:
“Emergency services around the world rely on our power solutions in extreme environmental conditions. We also meet the high standards of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). We are now introducing the next generation of our portable and tactical fuel cells to extend the success story with higher performance, better connectivity and increased user-friendliness.”
Further information on SFC Energy’s Clean Energy and Clean Power Management solutions can be found at sfc.com.
A major producer and supplier of renewable green hydrogen intends to place the first major order with the technology corporation Rheinmetall in the field of hydrogen storage and transport systems, with a contract volume in the mid double-digit million Euro range.
A corresponding letter of intent (LoI) for the framework contract in the mid double-digit million Euro range includes the delivery of one hundred multiple-element gas containers (MEGC) of various sizes. These MEGCs are used for transporting large quantities of technical gases such as hydrogen, and play a crucial role in the future climate-neutral energy supply. With the letter of intent, the technology corporation has reached an important milestone in the corporation’s relatively short history of MEGC development. The first MEGC is scheduled to be delivered at the beginning of 2026. The customer is a major European manufacturer and supplier of renewable green hydrogen.
Philipp Engl, INVENT H2 business field manager: “We are very proud of having acquired our first major customer for our innovative product in such a short time, and thus can further establish the recently set-up business field of hydrogen storage and transport systems for Rheinmetall”.
Rheinmetall’s innovative Multiple-Element Gas Container is equipped with advanced Type-IV hydrogen pressure tanks that allow pressures of up to 700 bar. These pressure tanks are characterised by a shortened winding time, the reduced use of carbon fibres and an increased storage capacity. The system offers a convenient all-in-one solution which also includes a smart service and maintenance support. The scalable length is between 20-40 feet. The containers can hold up to 1,000 kg (380 bar) of hydrogen.
The National Hydrogen Strategy is aiming at making Germany climate-neutral by 2045 which, in accordance with the Strategy, will require a higher demand of hydrogen. Being the energy source of the future, hydrogen is therefore expected to play a key role in the future energy mix. In this context, the transportation of hydrogen, being an energy source, plays a crucial role in order to ensure an efficient and secure supply chain, especially for industrial customers. Rheinmetall’s MEGCs fully comply with the regulations for movement by all common modes of transport, such as road (ADR), rail (RID) and inland shipping (ADN), and ensure safety and efficiency in storage and transport. In addition, the corporation offers its own trailers for the safe transport of the containers.
The promising conversations currently being held with other potential customers emphasise Rheinmetall’s prospects of gaining a further foothold in the future-oriented hydrogen market with innovative solutions.
Within the Rheinmetall Corporation, the Power Systems division is a system supplier of high-quality and innovative (mobility) solutions, control technologies and digital applications for the automotive and energy industries. This includes balance-of-plant (BoP) components for hydrogen fuel cell systems as well as electrodes for electrolysers. The portfolio is being expanded to include hydrogen storage systems such as multiple-element gas containers (MEGCs). This expansion is a core element of Rheinmetall’s comprehensive hydrogen strategy, which aims at replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen. The strategy focusses on the development and advancement of hydrogen technologies in the areas of production, storage, distribution and use, as well as the development of innovative fuel cell solutions to support zero-emission mobility and the decarbonisation of industries.
More information on the product:
www.rheinmetall.com/en/H2-MEGC
Quaze Technologies builds solutions to recharge any robot anywhere without human intervention and is the creator of wide-surface wireless power transfer (WPT), specifically optimized for use in remote and challenging environments. Quaze has recently taken part in the Arctic Warrior Experiment (AWE) 2025, a Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM) arena to test cold-weather equipment capabilities in rugged terrain and arctic conditions. In 2025 NORSOCOM teamed up with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in an arctic technical experimentation in Norway to stress test a range of capabilities.
As part of the capability demonstration, Quaze’s Surface Power Technology, with its magnetic resonance capabilities, was assessed in extreme arctic conditions to provide continuous wireless recharging to a range of deployed equipment. The adaptability of the technology was tested to the full, with Quaze and their partners Galvion being required to rapidly integrate the WPT systems to recharge ‘on-the-soldier’ systems on BRP Lynx snowmobiles and Zeal Motor FAT trucks off?road utility vehicle. The Galvion BATLCHRG™ wireless charging capability was integrated into each vehicle demonstrating that soldiers can charge multiple battery powered systems through safe for human wireless power transfer. There was also a successful demonstration of continuous remote drone charging over 3 days as part of AWE.
The robust wireless solution utilizes a charging foldable light surface and receiver configuration that has excellent resiliency and power transfer rates. Quaze’s wide surface power transfer eliminates the requirement for precise alignment and successfully charges any robot in any conditions, proving it can operate efficiently with over 10cm of snow, or other debris, covering the surface.
The Quaze technology was demonstrated in other different applications, which are at an early concept stage and have yet to be launched as products. In all applications tested, the technology proved to be reliable and robust in such a harsh environment. The demonstrations conducted all performed beyond expectations proving that the technology can be used on the battlefield utilizing extreme conditions for tactical advantage, such as concealing equipment beneath debris such as snow, sand, water or soil without impairing charging performance. Coupled with the possibility to charge multiple systems simultaneously and wirelessly, Quaze is set to mark a significant leap in operational efficiency and endurance. Xavier Bidaut, CEO of Quaze Technologies said,
“Quaze continues to be at the forefront of the defence industry’s push towards untethered, cable-free power solutions. The AWE opportunity in Norway enabled us to showcase our unparalleled autonomous operational wireless charging solutions in the most extreme environments. As we look ahead to where this technology might be of future use across land, sea and air domains, we are excited to explore the endless options. We are delighted to continue to push the boundaries of our technology alongside our partners”.
DEFINE Accelerator program, a three-month intensive initiative, brings together top players in defence and security technology to drive innovation, commercialization and global market expansion. Donut Defence is optimistic about the significant support this program will provide for its business scaling efforts and the potential for new partnerships.
The Finnish company Donut Defence, which develops and manufactures electric vehicle technologies for the defence industry, has been selected to participate in the DEFINE Accelerator program. Kicking off today, this international defence industry accelerator is coordinated by the City of Riihimäki and venture capital firm Redstone VC in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces as well as leading companies and research institutions in the field. The program connects leading players focused on the development and scaling of defence, security and dual-use technologies.
Donut Defence is transforming military mobility with its groundbreaking modular electric vehicle technologies. The Donut Motor, a powerhouse that boasts unparalleled payload capacity driven by exceptional power and torque density, is a prime example of the company’s innovative approach. The DEFINE Accelerator offers Donut Defence an excellent opportunity to deepen its ties with key industry players and strengthen its position as a global innovator.
“We are honored to join the DEFINE Accelerator program, providing us with a unique opportunity to introduce the game-changing performance of the Donut Motor and further develop our EV technologies. We look forward to building new partnerships to support our growth and help us meet the evolving needs of the defence industry. This selection reinforces our belief in the importance of our disruptive technology and boosts confidence among industry players,” says Michael Waksman, CEO of Donut Defence.
Alongside Donut Defence, several international companies from Finland, Germany and Denmark have been selected for the DEFINE Accelerator program. These companies bring a diverse range of defence security technologies to the table, such as unmanned aerial systems, UAV charging stations, counter-UAV, robotics, energy storage, quantum processors and non-toxic decontamination.
“DEFINE was created to accelerate ecosystem development among NATO countries. Our program helps startups grow rapidly by connecting them with end-users and providing valuable feedback. In addition to standard accelerator criteria—such as team strength, scalability, and innovation—we prioritize startups that bring meaningful solutions to enhance Finland’s and Europe’s security of supply. We also assess how well the Finnish Defence Forces and other security end-users can adopt these solutions. Donut Defence stood out as an easy choice for our second batch. They manufacture the world’s most powerful electric motor, have a highly experienced international team, offer a solution that is easy to adopt and possesses a business model that can scale exceptionally fast,” says The Head of the DEFINE Accelerator program, Director of Technology and Innovation at the City of Riihimäki, Teemu Seppälä.
The DEFINE Accelerator kicks off today with an event in Riihimäki, Finland.
Read more:
The STUB SBNVG Battery Adapter delivers mission-critical power for your SBNVGs with a secure twist-lock mechanism for fast, one-handed battery swaps. Designed for the modern warfighter, it features an additional USB port for powering essential gear and universal mounting options for seamless helmet integration.
For more information about the STUB, contact them at freedom-atlantic.com/contact
New solar array part of program to offset 40% of annual consumption costs
Fort Riley, Kan. (February 19, 2025) – Corvias, a leading energy and infrastructure solutions provider, in collaboration with Sunstone Energy Development and City, Light & Power, completed Phase III of an ongoing energy independence and security effort at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley, recently marking a month of successful operations as part of its broader mission to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s operational resilience and readiness goals.
The project supports the DOD’s goal to provide 100% of the energy load required to sustain the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by the end of fiscal year 2030.
This latest phase consisted of two solar PV arrays, both of which finished interconnection in December and provide rate stabilization and energy security to Fort Riley housing communities. The program offsets nearly 40% of annual electricity consumed by the housing community and also contributed to the $2 billion of community economic impact recently announced by Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander, Col. Jerry Nunziato.
“This work continues to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy to on-post housing and the surrounding area,” said Jim Champagne, Corvias Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Fort Riley. “Along with our partners, Corvias continues to implement strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities and potential disruptions that may affect the readiness of service members and their families.”
Over the past 10 years, Sunstone Energy Development, a joint venture between Corvias Solar Solutions and Onyx Renewables, has provided renewable energy solutions across the Corvias Army housing portfolio.
“For Onyx, delivering quality, resilient clean energy solutions is at the core of our mission,” said Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx Renewables. “These onsite solar installations at Fort Riley not only enhance energy security and reliability for service members and their families but also underscore the long-term benefits of renewable energy in strengthening critical infrastructure.”
Corvias’ industry-first Solutions Through Partnerships approach is built on a shared commitment to assisting the Department of Defense in sustaining the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by supporting readiness.
The newly completed solar arrays add to two previously completed rooftop phases for the of the Corvias-led solar program at Fort Riley – already one of the largest in the state of Kansas.
For more information on Corvias improvements on Fort Riley, visit our website.
