The U.S. Department of Energy has appointed Argonne National Laboratory to spearhead the Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA), a significant initiative aimed at advancing battery technology and energy storage innovation.

This national energy storage hub will unite nearly 50 leading researchers from three national laboratories and 12 universities, including top institutions like Columbia University and MIT, with a mission to overcome critical challenges in energy storage, including safety, high energy density, and long-duration storage

ESRA’s work will focus on developing next-generation batteries made from inexpensive, abundant materials. These batteries are expected to last for decades, store energy for extended periods, and be fire-resistant. This innovative hub will also support U.S. efforts to decarbonize sectors like heavy-duty transportation and the electric grid.

The U.S. government will fund ESRA up to $62.5 million over five years, and the program will also focus on cultivating a diverse next-generation workforce, ensuring that future manufacturing needs for energy storage are met through strategic partnerships between industry, academia, and government​.

This initiative will significantly contribute to the U.S. economy, security, and technological leadership, enabling breakthroughs in materials chemistry and electrochemical science​.