California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, the Commission responsibilities include: Forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical energy data. Licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger. Promoting energy efficiency by setting the state's appliance and building efficiency standards and working with local government to enforce those standards. Supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs. Supporting renewable energy by providing market support to existing, new, and emerging renewable technologies; providing incentives for small wind and fuel cell electricity systems; and providing incentives for solar electricity systems in new home construction. Implementing the state's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. Planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies. With energy challenges facing the state, the Commission and its dedicated staff of state employees stand ready to turn challenges into opportunities and help Californians continue to have energy choices that are affordable, reliable, diverse, safe, and environmentally acceptable.

Jonah Steinbuck

Director

Past deals in Energy Storage

Sepion Technologies

Grant in 2024
Sepion Technologies is an advanced membrane company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing a suite of highly-tunable nanoscale membranes for various industrial applications, particularly in the energy storage sector. Sepion focuses on manufacturing innovative products, including lithium-metal batteries, by integrating nanoscience, polymer chemistry, and cell engineering. Its proprietary composite membrane serves as a cost-effective alternative to traditional ceramic separators used in lithium batteries, offering improved performance and the capability to be produced in large-area formats. This innovation enables battery manufacturers to enhance energy density in their products, thereby advancing the overall efficiency of energy storage solutions.

ChargePoint

Grant in 2024
ChargePoint, Inc., founded in 2007 and based in Campbell, California, operates the world’s leading network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Initially known as Coulomb Technologies, the company rebranded in December 2012. ChargePoint offers a range of charging solutions, including public charging stations, consumer subscription plans, and cloud-based services that assist utility companies in managing electric demand. Its hardware products cater to various applications, including home, commercial, and fast-charging systems. The ChargePoint app enhances user experience by allowing consumers to locate, reserve, and monitor their charging sessions. Although it has a global presence with offices in Arizona, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, the majority of ChargePoint's revenue is generated in the United States.

EnergyHub

Grant in 2024
EnergyHub is a company focused on enhancing the relationship between homeowners and utility providers through innovative energy management solutions. It develops user-friendly software technology that allows consumers to utilize smart devices, such as thermostats and water heaters, as virtual power plants. This capability helps stabilize the energy grid while facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. By providing cost-effective tools for energy management, EnergyHub empowers homeowners to reduce energy consumption and achieve savings.

Enchanted Rock

Grant in 2024
Enchanted Rock, Ltd. specializes in the development, ownership, and operation of electric microgrids designed to assist commercial and industrial clients in managing risks associated with electricity. Founded in 2006 and based in Kemah, Texas, the company operates primarily in the Greater Houston area, providing services that include the design, project management, installation, and commissioning of microgrids. Enchanted Rock also focuses on various aspects of distributed power, such as electrical interconnection, energy market integration, and control technologies, alongside the maintenance of natural gas backup power systems. Their microgrid solutions aim to protect clients from unexpected power outages, ensuring business continuity and supporting civic responsibilities across municipalities, government entities, and various businesses.

ZeroAvia

Grant in 2024
ZeroAvia, Inc. is a company focused on developing zero-emission aircraft for commercial short-haul flights. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Hollister, California, with an office in Cranfield, United Kingdom, ZeroAvia specializes in hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. These systems are designed to eliminate aviation emissions while ensuring operational efficiency. The company aims to provide scalable technologies that can retrofit existing aircraft, thereby facilitating a transition to sustainable aviation. By collaborating with various stakeholders, ZeroAvia seeks to revolutionize the aviation industry through cleaner and more efficient flight options. Their powertrain utilizes a hydrogen fuel-cell system in limited-seat fixed-wing aircraft, which not only reduces emissions but also allows for the use of existing infrastructure, thus simplifying regulatory challenges and lowering both fuel and maintenance costs for aviation companies.

RedoxBlox

Grant in 2024
RedoxBlox specializes in thermochemical energy storage technology aimed at decarbonizing high-temperature industrial thermal processing and enhancing natural gas power production. By providing a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels, the company enables continuous energy discharge at high temperatures, significantly reducing carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions. Its system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, improving grid resilience while supporting industrial processors and power plant operators. RedoxBlox's technology facilitates the electrification and storage of energy, allowing industries to harness renewable energy sources through large-scale, long-duration energy storage solutions.

The Mobility House

Grant in 2023
The Mobility House AG, founded in 2009 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializes in electric vehicle charging systems and energy management solutions. The company aims to promote e-mobility by providing safe, sustainable, and affordable charging infrastructure, enabling both businesses and individuals to transition from fossil fuel dependency. As one of Europe’s leading providers in the electric mobility sector, The Mobility House focuses on developing charging solutions and managing battery storage for energy systems. Their offerings facilitate the integration of vehicle batteries into the power grid, catering to clients in the automotive and energy industries, as well as individual electric vehicle users. By emphasizing quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service, The Mobility House strives to meet the evolving needs of its customers and partners in the growing market for electric mobility.

Form Energy

Grant in 2023
Form Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of long-duration energy storage systems aimed at enhancing the reliability of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Founded in 2017 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company focuses on creating low-cost battery systems, including its innovative iron-air battery technology, which allows for energy storage over extended periods. This capability enables the dispatch of renewable energy throughout the year, effectively replacing traditional fossil fuel-based generation and contributing to the decarbonization of the electric grid. Additionally, Form Energy offers Formware, a capacity expansion software tool designed to optimize energy management. The company's technological advancements are rooted in research from MIT and are supported by various investors committed to sustainable energy solutions.

Nuvve

Grant in 2023
Nuvve is focused on advancing the electrification of transportation through its innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This technology aims to reduce the cost of electric vehicle ownership while facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The company's Grid Integrated Vehicle (GIVe) platform offers intelligent, bidirectional charging solutions that support the next generation of electric vehicle fleets. Nuvve operates primarily in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom and Denmark, with the majority of its revenue generated in the U.S.

FirstElement Fuel

Grant in 2023
FirstElement Fuel, Inc. is a company that produces hydrogen specifically for fuel cell electric vehicles, operating a network of hydrogen retail stations in California under the True Zero brand. Founded in 2013 and based in Irvine, California, the company focuses on providing safe and reliable hydrogen fueling solutions. True Zero hydrogen is characterized by its zero harmful emissions, with water vapor being the only byproduct when used in fuel cell vehicles. This approach enables customers to minimize their environmental impact while supporting the transition to cleaner energy consumption in transportation.

LICAP

Grant in 2023
Licap Technologies specializes in the development and manufacture of activated dry electrode technology aimed at advancing energy and power applications. The company focuses on providing innovative solutions for energy storage devices, including ultracapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. Licap's proprietary processes and equipment are designed to enable cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable manufacturing of high-performance electrodes. By catering to the needs of automotive, grid, and industrial customers, Licap Technologies strives to deliver products that meet rigorous standards for energy, power, reliability, safety, and cost, contributing to the transition toward an electrified, carbon-neutral future.

EVgo

Venture Round in 2023
EVgo operates a public fast-charging network for electric vehicles in the United States, providing essential charging infrastructure for both consumers and businesses. Its network features fast chargers that can deliver up to 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes and is compatible with all electric vehicle models that utilize DC fast charging. To expand its reach, EVgo partners with a variety of organizations, including grocery store chains, automotive manufacturers, hotels, shopping centers, gas stations, parking lot operators, local governments, and independent property owners. This collaborative approach allows EVgo to effectively deploy its charging stations in convenient locations, enhancing accessibility for electric vehicle drivers.

American Lithium Energy

Grant in 2023
American Lithium Energy specializes in the development and manufacturing of high energy density silicon anode lithium-ion batteries designed for military and commercial applications. The company offers advanced battery solutions that prioritize safety, fast charging, and performance in extreme temperatures. With over 100,000 units sold, American Lithium Energy caters to various sectors, including defense, electric vehicles, medical technology, and aerospace. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, the company operates a 23,000 square foot facility focused on research and development, testing, and pilot production. Additionally, it is constructing a megawatt-hour cell manufacturing facility in Southern California, expected to be operational in late 2023.

Gradient

Grant in 2023
Gradient’s mission is to cool the world by transforming every home to be more comfortable and healthy for the people who inhabit it — without compromising the environment. Today, heating and cooling equipment emits more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector, and expansion in the use of cooling is projected to double these emissions in the next 30 years. However, comfortable buildings are critical for health and productivity, especially among communities that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Gradient’s vision is a future where everyone has access to comfortable buildings that are fully decarbonized. Our launch product is a direct-to-consumer high-efficiency and low-carbon heat pump.

ElectricFish

Grant in 2023
ElectricFish is focused on developing innovative electric vehicle infrastructure that combines physical and digital solutions to enhance energy management. The company's patented technology offers a containerized, battery-integrated charging system that seamlessly integrates with existing electrical infrastructures. This approach significantly accelerates the interconnection process for high-powered electric vehicle charging in areas with grid constraints, reducing the timeline from years to weeks without the need for trenching or transformer upgrades. Additionally, ElectricFish's technology enhances local grid resiliency and demand management through bi-directional energy capabilities, enabling communities to improve energy resilience and optimize their infrastructure.

DasH2Energy

Grant in 2022
DasH2energy is a renewable hydrogen development company, providing hydrogen solutions to the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), Power-to-gas, and Energy Storage markets.

Yotta Energy

Grant in 2022
Yotta Energy Inc. specializes in manufacturing innovative solar storage solutions, primarily through its flagship product, the SolarLEAF. This modular battery storage device integrates seamlessly with photovoltaic (PV) panels, offering passive thermal regulation to enhance efficiency. The SolarLEAF is designed to minimize the soft costs associated with the design, installation, and maintenance of energy storage systems, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional centralized solutions. Additionally, Yotta Energy provides SolarPLEXUS, a gateway that enables the automated management and optimization of individual SolarLEAF units. The company also offers a software platform that aggregates energy potential from various systems, aiding utilities in grid management and helping system owners optimize their power usage and reduce costs. Founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, Yotta Energy aims to enhance energy control and resilience through its innovative technologies.

Enzinc

Grant in 2022
Enzinc is a company focused on developing advanced rechargeable zinc-air batteries, utilizing innovative technology to enhance energy storage solutions. Their batteries, made from a zinc metal nano-sponge, provide energy levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries while being cost-effective, akin to lead-acid alternatives. Enzinc's products aim to deliver a cleaner and safer energy source for a variety of applications, capitalizing on zinc's high energy density and recyclability. This approach not only addresses energy performance but also promotes sustainability in the battery manufacturing industry.

CALSTART

Grant in 2022
CALSTART works with business, fleets, and government to develop and implement clean, efficient transportation solutions. They believe that economic and environmental improvement must go hand-in-hand. They achieve this by focusing on four key activities that together provide the unique combination to support a growing industry.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2021
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of transparent photovoltaics that aim to enhance energy efficiency in everyday products and surfaces. The company's ClearView Power technology allows windows and other surfaces to harness solar energy while remaining visually indistinguishable from standard glass. This innovative approach enables the generation of electricity from ultraviolet and near-infrared light, providing a sustainable power source for various devices, including wearables, tablets, and smart glass applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Ubiquitous Energy originated from research at MIT and has established a production facility in Silicon Valley. The company has also formed a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., reinforcing its position as a leader in transparent solar technology.

Salient Energy

Grant in 2021
Salient Energy is commercializing a revolutionary new battery based on research at the University of Waterloo. Their zinc-ion battery is perfectly suited, both technically and economically, for storing electricity in the grid. The company's proprietary cathode materials store energy in zinc in a way that has never been commercialized before – Salient Energy has made unique cathode materials that can actually incorporate zinc in their crystal lattice instead of just reacting on the surface. This allows the batteries to have a relatively high energy density. It also allows the user to use of traditional battery designs that are compatible with standard manufacturing equipment. This means that the cheaper, safer, and the longer-lasting battery can be made in existing battery factories around the world.

e-Zinc

Grant in 2020
e-Zinc is a company that has pioneered a novel electrochemical technology for energy storage using zinc metal. This innovative solution provides a low-cost and flexible method for long-duration energy storage, crucial for facilitating a transition to renewable energy sources. The technology involves an electrochemical cell composed of recyclable materials, where energy is absorbed in the charging section and released in the discharging section as zinc metal is dissolved. This system allows businesses to effectively store and utilize energy during peak demand periods, contributing to cost reduction and supporting the shift toward a zero-carbon energy future.

Zelos Energy

Grant in 2020
Zelos Energy focuses on developing advanced green batteries that prioritize safety and environmental sustainability while delivering high performance. Utilizing patented rechargeable alkaline technology, the company offers safe and economical alternatives to traditional battery systems, including deep cycle storage batteries and lead-acid replacements. Their products are designed for various applications, such as uninterruptible power supplies, energy storage solutions for renewable sources, and specialized military and marine uses. Zelos's non-toxic alkaline chemistry mitigates the safety and supply chain risks associated with conventional options like lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, the company boasts a team with over 100 years of combined scientific and entrepreneurial expertise. Zelos Energy has also received a grant from the California Energy Commission to support research and development for alternatives to lithium-ion technology, reinforcing its commitment to a greener energy future.

Coreshell

Seed Round in 2020
Coreshell Technologies, Inc. is a company focused on developing advanced lithium-ion batteries, primarily targeting the electric vehicle and grid storage markets. Founded in 2017 and based in Berkeley, California, Coreshell has pioneered a nanolayer thin-film coating technology that addresses the degradation issues commonly faced by rechargeable batteries. This innovative coating protects battery electrodes from chemical reactions that can diminish capacity and safety, thereby enhancing the overall performance and durability of the batteries. By seamlessly integrating into existing manufacturing processes, Coreshell's technology aims to significantly improve battery capacity, safety, and cost-effectiveness, facilitating a smoother transition to electric transportation and renewable energy solutions.

RePurpose Energy

Grant in 2020
RePurpose Energy specializes in the development of sustainable energy storage systems utilizing repurposed electric vehicle batteries. By converting battery waste into valuable resources, the company enhances the resilience and sustainability of battery supply chains while supporting the global shift towards renewable energy. RePurpose Energy's innovative approach includes bundling reused EV batteries with advanced hardware and software solutions that monitor and manage various parameters such as temperature and charge levels. This enables clients to effectively address the complexities associated with second-life energy storage, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Enzinc

Grant in 2019
Enzinc is a company focused on developing advanced rechargeable zinc-air batteries, utilizing innovative technology to enhance energy storage solutions. Their batteries, made from a zinc metal nano-sponge, provide energy levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries while being cost-effective, akin to lead-acid alternatives. Enzinc's products aim to deliver a cleaner and safer energy source for a variety of applications, capitalizing on zinc's high energy density and recyclability. This approach not only addresses energy performance but also promotes sustainability in the battery manufacturing industry.

DAE Technologies

Grant in 2019
DAE Technologies, based in Davis, specializes in energy storage solutions aimed at supporting clean vehicles, smart grids, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The company develops and provides a diverse array of products, including supercapacitors, batteries, and energy storage systems designed for electric vehicles and EV charging stations. By focusing on innovative technologies, DAE Technologies contributes to the electrification efforts necessary for a smart and sustainable future.

Caban Systems

Grant in 2019
Caban systems designs and manufactures software enabled modular lithium ion energy storage solutions for off-grid and weak grid telecom sites.

California Clean Energy Fund

Grant in 2018
The California Clean Energy Fund supports the ecosystem of entrepreneurs and investors making the clean energy transition a reality. The California Clean Energy Fund accelerates the transition to clean energy by connecting money to investments, ideas to support, and problems to solutions. CalCEF is dedicated to producing 100% clean energy for the benefit of all.

Ubiquitous Energy

Grant in 2018
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of transparent photovoltaics that aim to enhance energy efficiency in everyday products and surfaces. The company's ClearView Power technology allows windows and other surfaces to harness solar energy while remaining visually indistinguishable from standard glass. This innovative approach enables the generation of electricity from ultraviolet and near-infrared light, providing a sustainable power source for various devices, including wearables, tablets, and smart glass applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Ubiquitous Energy originated from research at MIT and has established a production facility in Silicon Valley. The company has also formed a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., reinforcing its position as a leader in transparent solar technology.

StratosFuel

Series B in 2018
StratosFuel is a company dedicated to advancing hydrogen production, fueling, and mobility solutions. It is engaged in the development of hydrogen fueling stations and renewable production facilities aimed at facilitating the integration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the market. StratosFuel not only produces and supplies renewable hydrogen to various fueling stations but also constructs its own hydrogen stations. Additionally, the company provides a mobile application that enables users to rent hydrogen-electric vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. Through these initiatives, StratosFuel seeks to promote hydrogen as a mainstream fuel option across different markets.

StratosFuel

Series A in 2017
StratosFuel is a company dedicated to advancing hydrogen production, fueling, and mobility solutions. It is engaged in the development of hydrogen fueling stations and renewable production facilities aimed at facilitating the integration of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles into the market. StratosFuel not only produces and supplies renewable hydrogen to various fueling stations but also constructs its own hydrogen stations. Additionally, the company provides a mobile application that enables users to rent hydrogen-electric vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. Through these initiatives, StratosFuel seeks to promote hydrogen as a mainstream fuel option across different markets.

Hydrogenics

Grant in 2015
Hydrogenics Corporation designs, develops, and manufactures hydrogen generation and fuel cell products utilizing water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies. The company operates through two main segments: OnSite Generation and Power Systems. The OnSite Generation segment offers hydrogen generation products, including alkaline electrolyzers branded as HySTAT and HyLYZER, which are tailored for both indoor and outdoor applications, primarily targeting industrial customers in need of high purity hydrogen produced on-site. The Power Systems segment provides PEM fuel cell products under the HyPM brand for various applications, including motive power for vehicles and stationary power solutions, catering to original equipment manufacturers and system integrators. Hydrogenics maintains a global presence with operations in Canada, Belgium, and Germany, and distributes its products through a direct sales force and a network of distributors. The company has also partnered with Air Liquide to advance PEM electrolysis technologies. Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Hydrogenics has been a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. since September 2019.

Primus Power

Series C in 2014
Primus Power is a privately held, Northern California based producer of flow batteries: Big Batteries for the Smart Grid. These patented, liquid batteries provide flexible capacity from 25kW to 25MW, for stationary, grid scale applications. Primus' EnergyPod provides 5 hours of energy discharge and a long twenty year life span. These Zinc Bromine batteries are safe and low maintenance. The company has systems installed and working in the field both domestically and internationally and has a growing backlog. The second generation EnergyPod 2 announced production February 21, 2017 with a reduced footprint, low cost of goods, and high reliability components to deliver superior power density. The company has proven technology with installed systems that are working in the field. Investors include Nancy Pfund at DBL Investors, Vancouver based Chrysalix Energy VC, I2BF, Palo Alto based Kleiner Perkins, Anglo American, Rusnano, and Kazyna Capital Management.

Enzinc

Grant in 2014
Enzinc is a company focused on developing advanced rechargeable zinc-air batteries, utilizing innovative technology to enhance energy storage solutions. Their batteries, made from a zinc metal nano-sponge, provide energy levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries while being cost-effective, akin to lead-acid alternatives. Enzinc's products aim to deliver a cleaner and safer energy source for a variety of applications, capitalizing on zinc's high energy density and recyclability. This approach not only addresses energy performance but also promotes sustainability in the battery manufacturing industry.

Tesla

Grant in 2012
Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and energy generation and storage systems globally, with a significant presence in the United States, China, the Netherlands, and Norway. The company operates in two main segments: Automotive and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment includes a range of vehicles, such as luxury and midsize sedans, crossover SUVs, and light trucks, alongside electric powertrain components and services. Tesla markets its vehicles through company-owned showrooms and its website. The Energy Generation and Storage segment offers lithium-ion battery systems for residential and commercial use, as well as solar energy products, including solar panels and solar roofs. Additionally, Tesla provides vehicle insurance and operates a fast-charging network. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Tesla aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and mobility.

eTec

Grant in 2009
With a history in electric transportation that dates back to 1989, Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECOtality, works on research, development and testing of advanced transportation and energy systems. Specializing in alternative-fuel, hybrid and electric vehicles and infrastructures, eTec is committed to developing and commercially advancing clean electric technologies with clear market advantages. eTec’s flagship product Minit-Charger™ - fast battery charging systems designed for electric vehicles, airport ground support equipment and material handling applications - allows for faster charging with less heat generation and longer battery life than conventional chargers.

Primus Power

Grant in 2005
Primus Power is a privately held, Northern California based producer of flow batteries: Big Batteries for the Smart Grid. These patented, liquid batteries provide flexible capacity from 25kW to 25MW, for stationary, grid scale applications. Primus' EnergyPod provides 5 hours of energy discharge and a long twenty year life span. These Zinc Bromine batteries are safe and low maintenance. The company has systems installed and working in the field both domestically and internationally and has a growing backlog. The second generation EnergyPod 2 announced production February 21, 2017 with a reduced footprint, low cost of goods, and high reliability components to deliver superior power density. The company has proven technology with installed systems that are working in the field. Investors include Nancy Pfund at DBL Investors, Vancouver based Chrysalix Energy VC, I2BF, Palo Alto based Kleiner Perkins, Anglo American, Rusnano, and Kazyna Capital Management.
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