$13 Million Awarded To Advance Innovative Energy Storage Technologies In New York State

Supports Development and Demonstration of Long Duration Energy Storage and Advanced Battery Solutions

November 6, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that nearly $13 million has been awarded to 15 projects to advance innovative energy storage technologies in New York through the Power Generation and Storage Innovation program. The awarded projects support product development and demonstration of scalable long duration and other advanced battery energy storage solutions that can help integrate existing energy resources into the grid to efficiently and cost-effectively meet energy demand during peak times while reducing the State’s reliance on fossil fuels.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Investing in next-generation energy storage technologies is critical to building a flexible and resilient grid that can make the most of our diverse energy resources. These projects will advance promising solutions that can deliver power when it is needed most, strengthen grid performance, and help drive down costs as we build a more affordable and reliable energy system for New York consumers.”

NYSERDA’s Power Generation and Storage Innovation program competitively awards projects that develop and demonstrate innovative long duration energy storage (LDES) and other under-utilized, alternatives to traditional lithium-ion technologies which are yet to be commercialized. The awarded technologies include new designs for scalable LDES solutions that are over 10 hours in duration at rated power and will address cost, performance, and integration challenges such as grid congestion, hosting capacity constraints, and lithium-ion siting limitations.

Key project highlights:

• Solutions that have advanced inherent design safety.
• Innovations in material technology for more efficient, longer-lasting battery cells.
• Diversifying battery material composition through new sources to improve safety and local supply chains.

The awards include:

• Aestus Energy Storage LLC: awarded over $590,000 to conduct a subscale test of approximately 35 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of two Alumina-Silica Ceramic heat sink materials to be used in the design of a 20 megawatt-hour Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) system for utility scale application.
• AlphaEn Corporation: awarded over $350,000 to develop a modular, roll-to-roll lithium metal electrode manufacturing platform that enables the use of recycled lithium from retired assets.
• Alsym Energy, Inc.: awarded over $290,000 to design and test a 10-kWh prototype sodium-ion, non-flammable battery energy storage system in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Battery Development Center.
• Daqus Energy, Inc.: awarded nearly $1 million to develop a high-energy, completely metal-free, organic cathode for lithium-ion batteries, to deliver climate-resilient long-duration energy storage in partnership with Binghamton University’s Northeast Center for Chemical Energy Storage.
• Graphenix Development (GDI): awarded over $700,000 to combine ultra-high energy dense 100% silicon anodes with ultra-high energy sulfur cathodes to set a new standard in next generation lithium-ion cell energy density and a fully domestic supply chain.
• IBEX Materials Inc.: awarded $750,000 to scale and validate a silicon-rich, graphite-free anode and integrate it with solid-state electrolytes to enable higher-energy, longer-life lithium-ion cells.
• InfinitEnergy, Inc.: awarded $250,000 to develop high-energy-density solid-state batteries designed to operate the battery cell without external mechanical pressure while delivering high energy density, and long cycle life.
• Inlyte Energy: awarded over $2.4 million to deploy a more than 10-hour iron-sodium battery to address substation peak load growth and distribution-level resilience challenges.
• LiBAMA Power Corporation: awarded over $400,000 to further develop and test the advanced metal anodes in collaboration with nonflammable electrolyte supplier Elementium to enable next generation lithium metal batteries.
• LiNova Energy, Inc.: awarded nearly $720,000 to develop a high-performance lithium-ion battery with critical mineral free polymer cathodes that will be commercialized for electric energy storage applications.
• Orion Polymer Corp.: awarded $250,000 to demonstrate the technical viability of their unique membranes for high-performance lithium sulfur batteries by fabricating a prototype pouch cell.
• Respire Energy, Inc.: awarded over $850,000 to further develop its proprietary metal-air battery with optimized component prototypes and testing in partnership with Binghamton University’s NorthEast Center for Chemical Energy Storage, Intertek, and Bettergy Corp.
• Sprocket Power, Inc.: awarded over $1 million to demonstrate direct current fast charging stations fed from an underground Vanadium Redox Flow Battery.
• Standard Potential Co.: awarded $1.8 million to design, prototype, and certify a sodium-ion portable power station that delivers appliance-level load flexibility for urban demand response.
• Urban Electric Power, Inc.: awarded nearly $1.5 million to develop and validate a zinc-manganese dioxide battery energy storage system with advanced monitoring and control technologies tailored for LDES applications.

All contracts are awarded to companies located in New York, partnered with New York companies, and/or for development and demonstrations in New York. Additional information about awards can be found on NYSERDA’s website.

Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian said, “Storage is poised to play an increasingly critical role in supporting a reliable, cost-effective, flexible, and lower emissions system as more clean energy resources are integrated into the grid, as well as enhance the efficiency of the state’s existing resources. NYSERDA’s dedication of these funds originating from innovation and research funding overseen by the Commission positions New York’s consumers to yield the promising long-term benefits expected by more complex and scalable applications of these technologies.”

State Senator Kevin Parker said, “Energy innovation is about more than technology. It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Investments in energy storage strengthen our electric grid, support affordability, create opportunities, and help build more resilient communities. Our energy future must start with the needs of the people we serve and deliver lasting benefits for generations to come.”

State Senator Pete Harckham said, “Renewable energy is the most affordable source of power, and advanced energy storage technologies guarantee that it is even more reliable and cost-effective. Investments like this are essential to lowering energy costs for ratepayers while reducing our dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. I commend Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the legislature and NYSERDA for their forward-thinking approach to building a cleaner and more affordable energy future for New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “To achieve New York’s climate goals, we must strengthen our electric grid while ensuring energy remains affordable for all New Yorkers. Investing in reliable, safe, and innovative long-duration energy storage is essential to meeting our electricity needs, particularly during periods of peak demand, while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels in a cost-effective way. I applaud NYSERDA’s continued commitment to advancing energy innovation that will help drive down costs, strengthen grid reliability, and deliver a cleaner, more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

NY-BEST Executive Director William Acker said, “NY-BEST applauds Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their continued investment in advancing innovative energy storage technologies in New York State. These investments are critical to accelerating the development and commercialization of next-generation energy storage solutions that will improve grid reliability, reduce electricity costs, and strengthen New York’s leadership in energy storage innovation.”

Today’s announcement supports NYSERDA’s Innovation and Research (I&R) program, which invests over $96 million per year to attract world-class energy innovators, reduce risk for private investors and remove barriers to clean energy adoption in New York State, leveraging $15 in additional investment for every $1 spent. NYSERDA has partnered with over 900 companies that have helped make more than 300 products commercially available for consumers, businesses and utilities.

Funding for this initiative is through the Clean Energy Fund.

CHARGE Agenda

The Clean, Highly Affordable, Reliable Grid Expansion (CHARGE) agenda is a comprehensive plan to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers while achieving a reliable, zero-emission grid. The five-pronged strategy focuses on driving down consumer costs, holding energy companies accountable, building clean energy at scale, modernizing the state's aging grid, and growing a clean economy with family-sustaining jobs. Through bold initiatives like the Ratepayer Protection Plan, historic transmission buildouts, and a new 8.4-gigawatt "Nuclear Backbone," the CHARGE agenda ensures an affordable, resilient, and self-sufficient energy future that prioritizes everyday ratepayers while building a cleaner, more sustainable New York.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov .