Thermal Safety & Energy Density: Why Solid-State Batteries Could Redefine Remote Site Resilience 

Keeping critical telecommunications infrastructure online in some of Australia’s most remote locations demands battery systems that are powerful, safe, durable and very low maintenance. 

Traditional Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Valve-Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries are widely used for remote backup power systems, but they present several limitations for system designers looking to overcome these issues. In harsh environmental conditions like extreme heat or cold, bushfire-prone areas and sites that have very limited access, this older technology frequently falls short, costing network and critical infrastructure providers time and money.  

However, the latest solid state lithium battery technology represents a huge leap in performance for remote site energy storage.  

Solid-state lithium batteries dramatically improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of remote infrastructure by overcoming the thermal and maintenance constraints of traditional lithium-ion technology.  

In this white paper, Valen’s Head of Technical and Innovation, Wayne Foster, details why solid state lithium is the new gold standard for powering critical operations in harsh environments, delivering in spades when it comes to resilience, safety, performance and long-term cost efficiency. 

The challenges with powering remote sites 

Reliable energy storage is the backbone of remote communications infrastructure. Whether supporting telecommunications towers, powering emergency broadcast systems or keeping critical transport safety systems online, batteries must perform consistently in isolated, high-risk environments.  

“Remote sites have unique challenges, from very high or very low ambient temperatures, to bushfire-prone terrain, as well as difficult access requirements for maintenance crews,” explains Wayne. 

“Under these conditions, traditional lithium-ion batteries can become a liability: liquid electrolyte is flammable and poses a risk of thermal runaway, leading to fires or explosions if the battery is damaged or overheated. This not only disrupts services but can pose a serious safety hazard. Conventional lithium-ion batteries are also prone to faster degradation due to the formation of dendrites and electrolyte breakdown. This means a shorter lifespan, higher maintenance and replacement requirements – and ultimately, higher costs,” adds Wayne.  

There is a growing demand for next-generation solutions designed specifically for the rugged needs of remote sites. Valen’s solid-state lithium batteries represent the new era in performance, offering key advantages that make them ideal for remote deployment.  

Why solid state lithium excels in remote applications 

Superior thermal safety, energy density, faster charging times and overall better longevity create a robust, future-proof battery perfectly suited to powering remote communications infrastructure. 

Solid-state lithium batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolyte with a stable, solid electrolyte, unlocking a host of benefits tailored to remote environments. Solid electrolyte is non-flammable and highly stable, eliminating the risk of thermal runaway. This intrinsic safety is especially critical for remote sites in fire-prone areas or locations where overheating could cause catastrophic failures. 

The solid electrolyte also promotes faster ion flow, which significantly reduces charging time compared to LFP or NMC batteries. This is a major advantage for large-scale energy storage and grid applications, improving efficiency and enabling quicker recovery from outages. 

“Solid state batteries also deliver up to 10,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge (DoD), outperforming even LiPo4 chemistries. This extended cycle life ensures consistent operation over many years, reducing the need for replacements and lowering the total cost of ownership,” adds Wayne.  

And, thanks to compact electrode materials and efficient internal architecture, solid-state batteries store more energy in the same physical space. This reduces system footprint, enabling more compact installations without sacrificing performance. Wayne explains that as a result, solid-state lithium batteries are particularly beneficial for applications where space and weight are limited, allowing for longer runtimes without increasing battery size. 

“This excellent size to energy density ratio means that it’s relatively easy to retrofit older systems and cabinets, delivering a higher energy density and longer runtimes within an existing footprint.” 

Valen: Powering the future of remote energy resilience 

“As the renewable energy transition accelerates and remote operations become more autonomous, the need for safe, efficient and low-maintenance battery storage is only going to increase. For system operators looking to future-proof their installations and reduce risk, now really is the time to consider solid-state technology,” urges Wayne. 

Valen is helping to keep communities connected, safe and resilient by helping system owners navigate the shift to new battery technology.  

Offering tailored solutions, expert advice and 25 years of industry-leading technical expertise, Valen can help you implement a safe, powerful and reliable battery solution. Contact us at https://valen.com.au/