The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched an ambitious initiative to develop next-generation battery technology with the potential to quadruple the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries. Through its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), the department is providing funding of up to $15 million to six selected teams tasked with creating prototypes within a two-year timeframe.
James Seaba, program director at ARPA-E, emphasized the goal of this project: “We want to develop a system, a battery system or an energy system, that has four times the energy density of lithium-ion batteries that we have today.” Achieving this breakthrough could significantly enhance the capabilities of military drones, robots, and aircraft, further advancing technological innovation in defense.
The initiative, known as JOULES-1K (Jumpstart Opportunities to Unleash Leadership in Energy Storage with 1K Energy Storage Systems), began 18 months ago with 13 teams. Now, only six finalists remain, transitioning into a second phase focused on developing manufacturable prototypes. In the first phase, which had a budget of $16.9 million, these teams demonstrated the feasibility of various battery components and chemistry.
Seaba noted that the next phase requires these teams to deliver a scalable system by the end of Phase 2. “They have to be able to deliver a system by the end of Phase 2 that we consider scalable,” he stated. As the demand for reliable energy storage solutions grows, particularly in military applications, the need for sustainable production sources has become crucial. Many batteries currently rely on materials sourced from China, prompting the Pentagon to seek alternatives that can be manufactured domestically.
One of the notable participants, the Silicon Valley-based startup And Battery Aero, is set to receive approximately $4 million to advance its high-energy battery technology tailored for drone applications. Founder Venkat Viswanathan, also a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan, shared insights on the company’s strategy. “We have multiple commercial drone partners with whom we’re going to integrate our energy storage solution into,” he explained. The focus is on demonstrating improved endurance, payload, and range for drones.
Viswanathan highlighted the progress made in a previous ARPA-E program, where the company achieved a 25 percent increase in energy density through innovations in chemistry and material science. “There’s nothing like that first demonstration flight,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenges of scaling scientific advancements. The next two years will be critical as the team works toward achieving this milestone.
Other teams advancing in the JOULES-1K program include institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland – College Park, Illinois Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Precision Combustion based in Connecticut.
As these teams strive to meet the ambitious goals set by the DOE, the potential for transformative energy solutions is on the horizon, with implications that could extend far beyond military applications. The outcome of this initiative could redefine energy storage technology for various sectors, presenting a significant leap forward in sustainable and efficient power sources.
