Shmuel holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Tel-Aviv University and an MBA in quality control and reliability engineering from the Technion Institute in Haifa, as well as a diploma in electronics engineering.

When Shmuel De-Leon joined the energy storage technologies industry in 1990, he found that energy storage solutions were not meeting the growing energy demands of most applications. So after meeting with many cell manufacturers, attending several events, and performing considerable testing and evaluation, he and his R&D team managed to complete about 100 energy storage projects a year - most of them scaleable prototypes.

Thus, in 2010, Shmuel founded Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd. and began providing energy storage knowledge services to more than 1300 customers worldwide, including leading companies, organizations and governments.

Today, Shmuel is also a member of the advisory board of several industrial companies.

In the following interview, Shmuel de-Leon gives his vision on the current battery market, energy storage trends and Europe´s outlook for electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

CIC energiGUNE: Why do you think energy storage is essential for the future of the energy transition?

Shmuel de-Leon: Energy moves the world. Since we cannot generate energy everywhere it is demanded, we need to store that energy and use it when it is needed. Because humanity has become addicted to electricity, and demand is growing faster and faster, and so is the need for energy storage-in sectors like the automotive industry and grid storage, which are major applications of our fast-industrial growth.

CIC energiGUNE: What do you think are the challenges of our times in the field of batteries?

Shmuel de-Leon: We need to develop better batteries with higher energy and power density, as well as safer and longer-lasting batteries. Our industry is also in the race to increase production capacity to meet demand.

CIC energiGUNE: When and how did you hear about CIC energiGUNE? What would you highlight about the center?

Shmuel de-Leon: I learned about CIC energiGUNE four years ago when CIC managers took part in my Battery Training in Madrid.  I was invited to visit the center and found a fantastic research institute, well equipped and with an excellent research team.

CIC energiGUNE is a reference research center in solid-state batteries and I was impressed with their capabilities in the area of battery ageing and post-mortem. So we started cooperating in the field of batteries, collaborating in some training seminars and this year we are planning a joint conference.

CIC energiGUNE: In your opinion, what are the trends to follow in the field of energy storage for the electric vehicle, in order to have a sustainable industry?

Shmuel de-Leon: The main trends are increasing performance, reducing costs and improving safety. In connection with this trend, CIC energiGUNE is also making a crucial contribution to the field of batteries.

CIC energiGUNE: How do you see the European market in terms of battery manufacturing, and do you think we can compete in some way with the Asian market?

Shmuel de-Leon: The European market for lithium-ion cell manufacturing is growing rapidly due to local demand and supply chain security. I am very positive that the European market will be able to compete with products from the Far East. Initiatives such as Batteries Europe, the European Battery Alliance and Batteries 2030+ of the European Commission are vital to developing a complete battery supply chain in Europe.  Moreover, centers such as CIC energiGUNE and other leading companies in Europe are pushing hard to achieve this goal.

CIC energiGUNE: We are looking forward to having you in Vitoria-Gasteiz in November for the 1st international EV&Stationary Batteries Conference. How would you encourage people to subscribe to the conference? What can we offer them?

Shmuel de-Leon: This conference is an excellent knowledge and networking event. The attendees will be able to interact with the international battery industry´s main representatives and have a premier opportunity to learn more about the industry.