Graphite from the Orom-Cross project in Uganda, currently being worked up by Blencowe Resources (BRES ), has been used in further high-performance supercapacitor cells developed with existing offtake partner YUNASKO and leading US graphite specialist American Energy Technologies.
The results demonstrate exceptional power delivery characteristics, reinforcing the potential of Orom-Cross graphite for specialist aerospace, defence and other high-performance energy storage applications.
Blencowe has been working with AETC and YUNASKO to develop advanced supercapacitor cells incorporating Orom-Cross graphite in both the anode and cathode.
Supercapacitors are designed to deliver large amounts of energy rapidly, making them particularly valuable in applications requiring high power output, rapid discharge and reliable performance under demanding conditions.
The latest testing programme involved large 5Ah cells.
These demonstrated excellent formation cycling over more than 130 cycles at a current of 10 amperes.
Importantly, Ragone testing demonstrated power capability approaching 2 kW/kg, while YUNASKO successfully tested discharge rates of up to 70C.
These results highlight the potential of Orom-Cross graphite in high-performance energy storage systems, particularly for specialist aerospace and military applications where conventional battery technologies may be unable to meet demanding power requirements.
Building on these results, new prototype cells are being prepared for independent evaluation at NASA laboratories, with work expected to commence from December 2026.
Successful verification would provide an important technical endorsement, potentially accelerating acceptance of the technology across the wider aerospace and defence industries.
New prototype supercapacitor cells are being prepared for independent verification at NASA laboratories from December 2026, with successful results potentially likely to accelerate acceptance across US defence and aerospace applications.
"These are extremely encouraging results, demonstrating the ability of Orom-Cross graphite to perform in some of the most demanding energy storage applications,” said Iain Wearing, interim chief executive of Blencowe Resources.
“The next stage is particularly exciting, with new prototype cells being prepared for independent evaluation at NASA laboratories from December. The significance extends well beyond potential NASA applications, as successful independent verification could help accelerate acceptance of the technology across the wider defence and aerospace industries and further high-value commercial opportunities. We are now seeing repeated technical success across a growing range of demanding applications, from advanced batteries and supercapacitors to hypersonic aerospace and anti-radar technologies. Together, these results provide compelling evidence of the quality and versatility of Orom-Cross graphite, significantly strengthening its commercial application and potential. Our strategy is to translate this growing body of technical success into a diversified portfolio of customers across high-value markets, where the performance of our graphite can deliver meaningful commercial advantages as we advance Orom-Cross towards production."
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These latest results build on previous successful testing across battery, hypersonic aerospace and anti-radar applications, and support Blencowe's strategy to develop specialist graphite markets beyond conventional concentrate sales. Independent verification through NASA laboratories is expected to provide a highly credible technical reference for the performance of the supercapacitor technology, supporting its wider evaluation and potential adoption across US defence and international aerospace markets. Successful verification could accelerate the commercial development of specialist applications requiring high power output and rapid energy delivery, including opportunities within the broader defence and aerospace supply chains. It all adds up to a growing body of international test work demonstrating the quality and versatility of Orom-Cross graphite across multiple advanced applications.