The Department of Energy will invest $120M to renew a center tasked to conduct research on advanced battery science and technology.
The department based its decision to renew the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research on an assessment of the performance of the innovation hub in its first five years of operations, the DOE said Tuesday.
Since its establishment in 2012, the JCESR introduced a new class of membranes for flow batteries, continued studies in batteries based on doubly-charged magnesium and developed computation systems that analyzed various potential electrolyte and electrode compounds for new battery designs.
Once renewed, the center will work on developing multivalent batteries with higher energy capacity compared to lithium-ion batteries, as well as creating new flow battery designs for the electric grid.
Energy undersecretary for Science Paul Dabbar said JCESR will play a role in providing the foundation for modern battery technology.
He added that innovations in battery performance will contribute to the future of transportation and the electric grid.