The infrastructure is being developed in two phases:
Phase 1 (2019–2021): Construction of Module 1.
The distributed infrastructure contributed by each partner to the NSI ESHER research infrastructure is organized into two thematic laboratories, integrated based on the existing partner laboratories. Some of these laboratories also have a distributed structure within the partner organization. In other words, integration is based on the applicability of the equipment and expertise of the staff rather than on location or affiliation with a specific structural unit of the host organization.
This approach introduces the principle of defragmentation, which increases scientific potential, expertise, and material resources, as well as creating the conditions for the rapid formation of flexible, highly qualified scientific teams.
The Module 1 infrastructure is designed to support developments at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1-3.
The project has upgraded and expanded the thematic laboratories to increase their capacity to serve internal users (members of the infrastructure and their partners) and external users (national and international industry, research organizations, etc.). This includes digitization, which eliminates the inconvenience of NSI ESHER's geographic distribution and facilitates its use by external and/or remote users.
Phase 2 (2021–2025): Construction of Module 2.
Within this stage, an experimental base for the development of demonstration projects with industry (developments with a technology readiness level (TRL) above 4) is being built. An experimental platform that is not included in other national infrastructure projects is under construction:
• Technological development of a new generation of batteries.
This platform addresses a gap in infrastructure by scaling up cutting-edge laboratory developments implemented in several national and European projects. It provides opportunities to transition to the demonstration and deployment phase. The platform is organized as a single laboratory that allows for the scaling up of battery innovations in collaboration with Bulgarian industry and their deployment in production. Zinc-based battery developments are considered particularly promising alternatives to lithium batteries, due to the availability of zinc as an accessible raw material and its higher effective value in battery applications compared to that of metallic zinc.