UK Government Funds LMFP Battery Technology Development Project
On August 7, 2026, the UK government announced a £2 million grant through the Battery Innovation Programme to launch a 30-month project developing lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery technology. The initiative is led by UK battery supplier Denchi Group, with battery materials company Integrals Power serving as the cathode active material supplier. The project targets applications in defense and electric vehicles, with production scheduled to commence on September 14, 2026, and all milestones set for completion by February 17, 2029.
Integrals Power will produce hundreds of kilograms of manganese-rich LMFP cathode material, containing 80% manganese, at its multi-tonne facility in Milton Keynes, England. The material will be used to manufacture pouch cells and cylindrical cells, including 21700 and 4695 formats. The UK Battery Industrialisation Centre will handle cell production on its new Flexible Pilot Line in Coventry, designed for advanced battery technology development with adaptable production parameters.
Military Battery Assembly and Validation Process
Denchi Group will assemble LMFP cells into military battery packs, including the BB-2590 design, at its plant in Thurso, Scotland. The BB-2590 packs are widely used in military communications equipment, sensors, and drones, valued for their high energy density and long cycle life. Initial validation trials will replace nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells in BB-2590 packs with the new LMFP cells to test performance and reliability. Denchi Group has over 20 years of experience designing and manufacturing battery systems for the UK Ministry of Defence, and this project will further enhance its capabilities in defense electrification.
Behnam Hormozi, CEO of Integrals Power, stated on August 7, 2026, that LMFP technology eliminates reliance on critical minerals such as cobalt and nickel while delivering up to 20% greater energy density than conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This advantage allows LMFP batteries to provide extended range at the same weight, making them significant for both military and electric vehicle applications. Andrew Cowie, CEO of Denchi Group, emphasized that the company has long supplied battery solutions to the UK Ministry of Defence and that this project will help validate LMFP technology’s suitability in demanding environments.
Supply Chain Security and Technical Advantages
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported in 2023 that a halt in battery supply chain exports from China would cost electric vehicle plants outside the country approximately $17 billion per month in lost output. This figure underscores the critical importance of supply chain autonomy for national security and economic stability. The UK government’s LMFP project emphasizes a fully UK- and Europe-based supply chain, aiming to reduce dependence on regions such as China. Integrals Power stated that the initiative demonstrates the sovereign production capabilities required for defense applications within NATO.
LMFP battery technology combines the safety and cost advantages of LFP batteries while increasing energy density through higher manganese content. Compared to conventional LFP batteries, LMFP cells offer approximately 20% greater energy density without added cost and without relying on scarce metals like cobalt or nickel, reducing supply chain risks. Additionally, LMFP batteries exhibit superior stability in high-temperature environments compared to NMC batteries, making them well-suited for applications with stringent reliability requirements, such as military and electric vehicles.
The project will not only help the UK establish a sovereign battery supply chain but also provide more resilient energy solutions for defense and electric vehicle industries. As the global electric vehicle market expands rapidly, battery technology autonomy has become a key focus for nations worldwide. The UK’s £2 million investment aims to transition LMFP technology from the laboratory to practical application, laying the groundwork for future large-scale production. Upon completion, the project is expected to deliver new technological breakthroughs and commercial opportunities for the UK’s battery industry.
