Advanced Zn electrode to enable rechargeable alkaline zinc batteries for a more resilient grid
Project Update
As of January 2026, Enzinc has completed initial project planning, including defining the technical specifications for the 48V nickel-zinc (NiZn) stationary energy storage system to be delivered at the end of the project. Process development work is underway on Enzinc’s Gen2 zinc micro-sponge electrode, focusing on performance, tunability, and design for manufacturability. Additionally, the first set of prototype electrodes are being tested in R&D-format battery cells.
The Issue
Energy storage systems are critical infrastructure for enabling a resilient grid in California. While lithium-ion batteries offer best-in-class energy density, they carry a risk of thermal runaway and propagation, which can lead to catastrophic failure. Lithium-ion batteries will undoubtedly play a role in meeting California’s energy storage needs, but a diverse supply chain of battery technologies enhances resiliency and minimizes supply chain risks. The project seeks to advance domestically sourced, safe, and recyclable zinc batteries for critical grid infrastructure where safety cannot be compromised.
Project Innovation
The key innovation is a 3D zinc micro-sponge electrode that addresses the rechargeability issues that have traditionally plagued alkaline zinc electrodes. Enzinc is advancing the design of our patented technology from Gen1 to Gen2, focusing on performance, tunability, and manufacturability. Our Gen2 design will enable tunable electrode thickness within a single framework: thin electrodes for high-power batteries and thicker electrodes for optimized energy density for mid- to long-duration energy storage. The project focuses first on nickel-zinc batteries, given the commercial availability of high-quality nickel hydroxide electrodes, while also demonstrating proof-of-concept zinc-manganese (lowest cost) and zinc-air (highest energy density) battery prototypes for future development.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
Deploying aqueous zinc battery chemistries for mission-critical grid storage applications significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic failure compared to lithium-ion systems—a risk California has already experienced firsthand. By enabling system-level performance comparable to lithium-ion, this project aims to accelerate the market readiness of aqueous zinc batteries for critical infrastructure needs. Additionally, large-scale energy storage currently depends on lithium-ion batteries produced overseas, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. This project addresses that challenge by developing a domestic supply chain for high-performance batteries, leveraging existing lead-acid manufacturing capacity already established in the U.S. Enzinc's model—manufacturing zinc electrodes and partnering with established battery OEMs—avoids the offshoring trap that forces many battery technology companies overseas to meet cost targets. The result is a pathway to advanced battery technology grounded in onshore manufacturing and domestic supply chain security.
Safety
Deployment of aqueous battery chemistries for mission-critical grid storage scenarios will reduce the risk of catastrophic failure. Unfortunately, California has already experienced the consequences of a single lithium-ion cell failure. By enabling system-level performance comparable to lithium-ion batteries, this project aims to accelerate the market readiness of aqueous zinc batteries to meet critical infrastructure needs.
Energy Security
Large-scale battery energy storage systems currently rely on lithium-ion batteries produced overseas. This project seeks to develop a domestic supply chain for high-performance batteries by leveraging existing lead-acid battery manufacturing capacity. Enzinc’s business model is to manufacture zinc electrodes and partner with existing battery OEMs to build zinc batteries.
Key Project Members
Subrecipients
Match Partners
