NOVELTY - The apparatus has a battery plate (321A) provided with an n-doped mono-crystalline or multi-crystalline conductive silicon wafer (304). A first mechanical support (310A) is located at a first side of the silicon wafer. First active material (312A) is adhered to the first mechanical support and the first side of the silicon wafer, where the first active material includes polarity. A second mechanical support (310B) is located at a second side of the silicon wafer opposite the first side. Second active material (312B) is adhered to the second support and the second side of the silicon wafer.    USE - Apparatus i.e. rechargeable lead acid battery, for use in automotive, traction and stationary applications such as for ignition or starting internal combustion engines, lighting applications and motorized wheelchairs, golf carts or forklifts applications. Can also be used for electrical energy storage applications.    ADVANTAGE - The apparatus establishes parallel connection so as to utilize high current with low voltage battery, so that heavy conductors can be utilized to minimize internal resistance. The apparatus utilizes a current collector with high thermal conductivity and low leakage current for integrating in a lead acid battery manufacturing and recycling infrastructure to shorten a current path so as to remove unnecessary material/mass and decrease resistance. The silicon wafer can be adapted to enhance energy density of a battery pack so as to improve mechanical robustness.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method for fabricating a battery plate.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows an exploded perspective view of a bipolar plate with a silicon wafer current collector and a mechanical support grid.    N-doped mono-crystalline or multi-crystalline conductive silicon wafer (304)    Mechanical supports (310A, 310B)    Ohmic contact layers (311A, 311B)    Active materials (312A, 312B)    Battery plate (321A)