UK battery storage specialist Palmer Energy Technology has acquired Oxford University spin-out Brill Power, in a deal aimed at scaling next-generation battery management systems.
Brill Power, founded in 2016 by engineers from the University of Oxford, has developed technology that improves the lifespan and performance of lithium-ion batteries by controlling and monitoring cells individually. The company’s system is designed to reduce costs and improve safety across large-scale storage and electric vehicle applications.
The acquisition was announced alongside a £5 million Series A funding round. Investors included FirstGroup Energy, Barclays Climate Ventures, and the University of Oxford. The fresh backing is expected to accelerate deployment of Brill Power’s technology within Palmer Energy’s battery energy storage platforms.
In a statement, Palmer Energy said the deal would “combine advanced control software with scalable energy infrastructure to meet rising demand for reliable storage.” The company added that the move comes at a time of rapid growth in the UK storage sector, with battery installations expected to play a central role in balancing intermittent renewable supply.
The UK government has set targets for battery storage capacity to more than double by 2030, creating opportunities for companies that can improve system efficiency. Analysts said the combination of Palmer’s project pipeline and Brill Power’s intellectual property could strengthen the country’s ability to meet decarbonisation targets.
Brill Power’s founders, who will remain with the business, described the acquisition as a “significant step in bringing our research out of the laboratory and into commercial deployment.”
The transaction reflects a broader trend of university spin-outs partnering with industrial players to bridge the gap between research and large-scale adoption.
