Australian start-up secures U.S. patent for energy storage tech

Allegro Energy, an Australian renewable energy start-up, has been granted a U.S. patent for its micro-emulsion electrolyte technology designed to address important limitations in traditional energy storage systems.

The Hunter Valley-founded company has strengthened its position in the long-duration energy storage market, which analysts estimate to be valued at around AUD $350 billion by 2044. This patent follows Allegro's successful Series A funding round amounting to AUD $17.5 million, led by the climate-focused foundation of investor Jeremy Grantham.

Allegro Energy's patented technology aims to provide a safer, more cost-effective, and scalable solution for a range of battery chemistries, contributing significantly to the global transition towards renewable energy. The patent is supported by similar filings in Europe and Japan and extends across various applications using Allegro's chemical platform.

"With energy storage playing a crucial role in the renewable transition, our micro-emulsion platform ensures scalability and adaptability across a range of battery chemistries, from redox flow to advanced ion batteries," stated Dr Thomas Nann, CEO and co-founder of Allegro Energy.

The modular system devised by Allegro expands the electrochemical stability window beyond traditional aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes, enhancing energy density while remaining affordable and safe. This allows for widespread application, from grid storage to integrating renewable energy sources.

Dr Nann explained, "The U.S. patent reinforces Allegro's ability to deliver a truly global and transformative solution for long-duration energy storage." The technology dissolves a broader range of electrochemically active species while maintaining stability at high voltages, overcoming barriers associated with aqueous electrolytes in advanced systems.

The patented solution is adaptable to multiple battery formats, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion, magnesium-ion, aluminum-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and redox flow batteries. This versatility positions Allegro as a partner of choice for utilities, industrial operators, and battery manufacturers aiming to advance clean energy storage solutions.

Allegro Energy aims to play a critical role in driving 24/7 carbon-free energy initiatives by collaborating globally using their patented technology. This initiative aligns with the increasing global demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions.