Unlocking the hidden potential of existing battery infrastructure

Across the UK and globally, energy suppliers are under pressure to deliver resilient, cost-effective and sustainable power. With 56,865 electricity substations (33 kV or larger) in the UK alone relying heavily on lead-acid batteries for backup and stability, there is an urgent need to extend asset life, reduce costs and meet strict compliance standards.

Hyonic’s breakthrough additive, HBA1, provides a simple, low-cost way to rejuvenate existing lead-acid batteries while aligning operations with the BS EN IEC 62485-2:2018 Section 7 regulation that limits hydrogen emissions from battery installations.

By suppressing hydrogen release at source and restoring electrolyte balance, HBA1 offers an immediate compliance pathway while unlocking new operational and commercial opportunities for suppliers.

Why HBA1 matters for energy suppliers

Energy suppliers face the twin challenges of regulatory compliance and economic competitiveness. HBA1 addresses both in one step:

• Extended battery life and performance gains for legacy assets
• Instant compliance with hydrogen emission regulations
• Reduced maintenance costs and fewer service interventions
• Support for the energy transition, enabling circular economy approaches and BaaS models

By adopting HBA1, suppliers not only secure compliance and cut costs – they also unlock the strategic flexibility to compete in a rapidly changing energy market.

Rejuvenating ageing lead-acid battery infrastructure

While new utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are being deployed across the UK, many substations continue to depend on legacy lead-acid assets. These ageing batteries face increased internal resistance, electrolyte loss and shortened runtimes – all of which limit performance and drive up costs.

HBA1 provides a fast, non-disruptive solution:

• Extends lifespan by stabilising lead oxide plates and reducing sulphation
• Improves efficiency with lower charge temperatures (up to 12% cooler) and shorter charge times
• Cuts costs by reducing energy consumption during charging and lengthening service intervals by up to 300%
• Restores performance so older assets can continue to compete with new, cheaper systems

For energy suppliers, this means delaying significant capital outlay on new installations, while making the most of existing infrastructure.

Meeting compliance with ease

Hydrogen gas naturally evolves in both flooded and VRLA lead-acid batteries. Left unchecked, it poses a serious safety hazard by creating potentially explosive atmospheres. This risk is precisely why BS EN IEC 62485-2:2018 mandates that all battery installations safeguard against hydrogen release.

When applied in situ, HBA1 initiates a catalytic reaction that reabsorbs hydrogen back into the electrolyte. No gas escapes into the atmosphere, electrolyte levels are preserved, and maintenance requirements fall dramatically.

For energy suppliers operating thousands of substations and industries like data centres, telecommunications and utility power operating battery farms essential for uninterrupted service this innovation means:

• Full alignment with Section 7 of BS EN IEC 62485-2:2018
• Lower operational risk and improved site safety
• Reduced need for topping-up and costly servicing interventions
• Extended battery service life, reducing capital replacement costs

In short, HBA1 transforms compliance from a burden into an operational advantage.

Safer and more sustainable operations

Safety and sustainability are central to the future of energy supply. HBA1 enables both by:

• Virtually eliminating hydrogen emissions at the source
• Preserving electrolyte levels, reducing the need for chemical top-ups
• Lowering overall energy demand during charging cycles
• Reducing the frequency of battery replacements, cutting down waste and manufacturing emissions

This not only helps energy suppliers meet regulatory obligations but also strengthens their environmental credentials.

Opening the door to batteries as a service

Perhaps the most exciting opportunity created by HBA1 is its role in enabling Batteries as a Service (BaaS) – a subscription-based energy storage model managed remotely via IoT platforms.

By extending battery lifetimes up to 20 years and reducing maintenance to near zero, HBA1 makes it commercially viable to offer energy storage as an ongoing service rather than a one-off product sale.

For suppliers, this model offers:

• A recurring revenue stream instead of sporadic capital sales
• Predictable operating costs through OPEX rather than CAPEX investment
• Stronger customer retention through long-term service contracts

For consumers, BaaS provides accessible, maintenance-free energy storage that can complement or be installed instead of domestic solar installations.