Commercialization of Lowest-Cost, Long Duration Energy Storage Systems
e-Zinc Inc
Recipient
New Jersey, NJ
Recipient Location
$0
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
In late 2025, e-Zinc successfully pivoted to its Gen 2 technology, achieving superior results across all dimensions; demonstrated cycle repeatability, higher energy and power density, improved RTE, and substantially lower projected costs. The team validated these improvements by testing the new cell design to optimize functionality. e-Zinc began lab testing, including a 24-hour continuous discharge cycle, to stay on track for a system delivery to the RICU facility at the Miramar Marine Base (San Diego, CA) in 2026.
The Issue
For California to achieve its renewable energy goals, affordable long-duration energy storage is a necessity. The storage requirements to meet these goals cannot be met by batteries (i.e., device-based technologies like lithium-ion) alone, given the linear price-energy capacity curves for these technologies, which lead to very high prices for applications requiring durations of 12 hours or longer. To address long periods of limited solar or wind power generation, as well as seasonal variations, long-duration energy storage technologies that can scale in energy capacity (kWh) at a very low cost will be required.
Project Innovation
This project will demonstrate a zinc-based long-duration energy storage system and test and validate the e-Zinc technology at the commercial scale. e-Zinc's technology is material-based: adding more runtime hours does not require an additional device (or battery) but only additional zinc, potassium hydroxide (the electrolyte), and plastic (for containment), at a material cost of approximately $20/kWh. This makes e-Zn's technology exceptionally well-suited for long-duration energy storage applications, particularly those exceeding 24 hours (at rated power), and for power node sizes of 1 kW to 10 MW.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
E-Zinc’s long-duration energy storage technology has the ability to provide reliable backup power to a range of end user during grid outages. Environmentally, it supports deeper integration of renewable energy and reduces reliance on diesel generators, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By eliminating thermal runaway and fire risk, e-Zinc enhances public safety and protects communities in wildfire-prone regions compared to fire-prone lithium-ion systems. e-Zinc’s safe operations also contribute to better public health outcomes by reducing air pollution from diesel, which is commonly used for extended backup power. Zinc is abundant and widely available in the US compared to other minerals, and e-Zinc’s contract manufacturing model enables localized production and strengthens domestic supply chain resilience. As a result, e-Zinc’s scaled growth can create skilled jobs in manufacturing, operation, and maintenance. Overall, this project advances energy resilience, environmental sustainability, and economic growth while safeguarding public health and safety.
Reliability
e-Zinc’s long-duration energy storage technology provides a cost-effective solution to strengthen energy resilience across California’s grid and critical infrastructure. The system can deliver 10-100 hours of multi-day backup power, helping communities, businesses, and essential services maintain operations during unexpected outages and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. By storing excess renewable energy and discharging it over extended periods
Safety
e-Zinc’s technology offers a fundamentally safer energy storage architecture compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The system operates using a chemical-mechanical process that stores and regenerates zinc in a water-based electrolyte. As a result, the system eliminates the risk of thermal runaway and significantly reduces fire hazards. This inherent safety profile enables easier deployment near critical facilities & urban infrastructure
Key Project Members
James Larsen
Subrecipients
SunGrid Solutions Inc.
Match Partners
e-Zinc Inc
