The Energy Storage Innovations Prize Round 2, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (DOE OE), is a competition focused on discovering and promoting innovative energy storage solutions that cater to niche markets and emerging use cases. The goal is to inform DOE’s strategy to accelerate grid modernization, enhance reliability, and promote energy security while addressing unique challenges in less conventional settings, such as remote, underserved communities and extreme climates.

With a total prize pool of $300,000, the competition will award up to five Champions with $50,000 each, and up to five Finalists with $10,000 each. Eligible participants include individuals, academic institutions, non-federal government entities, small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and other inventors. Submissions should propose transformative energy storage technologies that discharge electricity, with innovative applications that distinguish them from conventional market uses.

Examples of eligible technologies include electrochemical (e.g., lithium-ion, sodium ion, redox flow), electromechanical (e.g., flywheels, compressed-air), thermal (e.g., phase change materials), chemical (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia), and flexible generation/storage solutions. The competition encourages groundbreaking ideas, focusing on the unique needs of non-traditional markets.

The official rules and detailed submission process will be released soon, and interested competitors are encouraged to follow the prize for updates.