Abstract: A high energy density battery is provided that improves energy density through efficient placement of the inter-plate connections within the battery enclosure. The placement of the current carrying leads in the high energy density battery allows for a greater volume of active material to be placed within the battery enclosure. This placement design can also be used to reduce the size of existing power sources. Methods for constructing high energy density batteries and methods for increasing the volumetric energy density of an implantable battery are also provided. The resulting high energy density battery can be used to power electronics associated with a variety of devices such as medical devices.