SBIR Phase II: Flow Battery Electrolyte Purification: Unlocking 24-Hour Storage Potential

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,209,878 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to enable cost-effective, long-duration energy storage, which is critical to ensuring a reliable electric grid. As demand for electricity is expected to soar in the coming years, grid operators require storage systems that can operate for 10 to 24+ hours to balance the supply and demand for power and ensure resiliency. The Department of Energy forecasts that the United States' grid may need 460 gigawatts (GWs) of long-duration energy storage capacity by 2050, representing $330 billion in cumulative capital. This investment would result in $20 billion in annualized savings in operating costs and avoided capital expenditures. The innovation supported by this project has the potential to serve a significant portion of this market, particularly among electric utilities and industrial users such as data centers. The technology is based on non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive materials, which allow for safer deployment near critical infrastructure and in fire-prone regions—enhancing energy access and resilience while avoiding the safety and environmental risks associated with current storage systems. In addition to economic and environmental benefits, the project may contribute to broader societal impacts by supporting domestic manufacturing and supply chains and increasing public confidence in energy infrastructure. The intellectual merit of this project centers on the de

Key facts

NSF award ID
2451730
Awardee
OTORO ENERGY INC (CO)
SAM.gov UEI
K5Q1JVNYFKP3
PI
Jessica Murdzek
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Energy Storage or Transmission
Estimated total
$1,209,878
Funds obligated
$1,209,878
Transaction type
Cooperative Agreement
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027