TotalEnergies' Saft wins contract to supply Li-ion batteries for Naval Group submarines

Published Jul 22, 01:19 PM UTC

Naval Group has awarded Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, a contract to supply advanced lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems for its Barracuda and Scorpene-class submarines. The contract follows years of collaboration to adapt Li-ion technology for military submarine use. Saft's Li-ion batteries, designed and manufactured in-house, will replace traditional lead-acid systems, offering increased energy density and longer underwater endurance. The company claims enhanced operational flexibility and compliance with stringent defense safety requirements. Saft CEO Cedric Duclos stated that advanced battery technology is now a defining factor in submarine performance. According to GlobalData, Li-ion batteries deliver greater energy output in a lighter package with lower self-discharge rates, though long-term performance is still being evaluated. Currently, only Japan's Soryu- and Taigei-class submarines use this technology. The partnership aims to develop critical technologies for European customers and potentially serve future international projects.