Next-Generation Solid State Sodium Polymer Batteries for Stationary Storage Applications with a Recyclable Design
Summary
SCH Number
2025090796
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Next-Generation Solid State Sodium Polymer Batteries for Stationary Storage Applications with a Recyclable Design
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/17/2025
Document Description
Under grant Agreement EPC-25-008, the California Energy Commission awards a grant of $2,000,000 to DarmokTech to help fund the project. The purpose of this Agreement is to advance sodium solid-state batteries (SSSPBs) for direct market penetration in grid storage applications by leveraging innovative packaging and cell design, which enables non-shredding disassembly, and solid polymer electrolyte formulations. This agreement aims to accelerate the development of safe, stable, cost-effective, and sustainable SSSPBs within existing facilities. Anticipated benefits include better batteries to serve California Investor-Owned Utility ratepayers, the electric grid, and the battery users.
Contact Information
Name
Bryan Lee
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Mechanical Engineer
Contact Types
Responsible Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Name
Deepak Upadhyaya
Agency Name
DarmokTech
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Livermore
Counties
Alameda
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Zip
94551
Other Location Info
Livermore 94550
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The project includes the development, testing, and validation of advanced sodium solid-state polymer batteries (SSSPBs) for direct market penetration in grid storage applications. Sodium solid-state polymer batteries are energy storage devices that use a solid polymer electrolyte instead of the flammable liquid found in most traditional batteries, and sodium ions instead of lithium to carry the charge enabling the flow of electricity. Sodium-based batteries offer advantages in safety, cost, and energy density compared to lithium-based batteries. However, several technical and environmental challenges must be addressed before SSSPBs can become a practical replacement for current battery technologies. To hopefully solve these issues, this project introduces a new packaging design based on prismatic shape (somewhat like a 9-volt battery’s shape) that allows battery components to be disassembled without damaging their structure—making material recovery and recycling easier and more environmentally friendly.
The development, testing, and validation will take place at DarmokTech’s facility (expanded square footage in existing building) and at the existing Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), which are both in Livermore. LLNL will evaluate candidates for the electrolyte in the batteries and perform related research and testing. DarmokTech will apply its new battery cell packaging design based on prismatic shape, work on the disassembly and recycling methods, and perform related research and testing. Both facilities already do research and work similar to the activities to be undertaken under the grant.
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15306 provides that projects which consist of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities, and which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource are categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. This project falls within these parameters.
The project will not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern where designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted pursuant to law by federal, state, or local agencies; does not involve any cumulative impacts of successive projects of the same type in the same place that might be considered significant; does not involve unusual circumstances that might have a significant effect on the environment; will not result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway; the project site is not included on any list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5; and the project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Therefore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions listed in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to this project, and this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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