It struck a deal with state-based Blue Rock Manufacturing to set up a plant on Morgantown which will utilise existing organic material such as coal for use in new, clean energy storage systems.

A Phase 2 expansion of the faccility is planned for the Southern Coalfields region of the state.

DST's Batri energy cell technology converts coal and other organic materials to create activated hard carbon, an essential component of batteries and super capacitors.

The technology removes the need for the use of rare earths that traditional battery technology currently relies on, the company said.   

The facility aims to produce large scale, printed energy storage systems and clean, high-grade electronic inks and coatings for use in battery and capacitor products worldwide.

The new facility is planned to provide energy storage units for the new, internationally funded tidal energy project in Swansea Bay, South Wales, known as Dragon Energy Island. 

The planners of Dragon Energy Island expect the project to create over 1,000 skilled permanent jobs for the Swansea area alone.