IT may not look like it but this bulk of stainless steel weighing several tons has put Southampton at the forefront of a global market worth multi-billions.

The humble battery is set to get a major makeover thanks to groundbreaking work by a team at the University of Southampton.

The aim is to develop advanced materials that will completely revolutionise batteries with a view to them being used in a raft of industries, including medicine, automotive and the leisure market.

In a collaboration with local technology firm Ilika, which was itself a spin-off from initial research at the university, the aim is to produce batteries that will be smaller, better and more versatile for use in such areas as round-the-clock monitoring of patients and others that can be embedded and powered by clothing.

The £5m facility was officially opened yesterday by Greg Clark MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science and Cities.

He said: “This is one of the global centres of excellence which is down to the expertise around this room.”

Mr Clark also visited Winchester where he joined local politicians, businesses and academics to launch a ‘think-tank’ called the Southern Policy Centre, which looks at challenges facing the south.