Enzinc opens U.S. manufacturing center for battery anodes

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Enzinc Inc., a specialist in zinc battery technology, has opened a manufacturing technology center in Oakland, California to scale up production of its innovative zinc anodes. Using proprietary technology originally developed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Enzinc is enabling traditional lead-acid battery makers to offer safer, more sustainable, and higher-powered nickel-zinc batteries. The company's success has been supported by state and federal grants as well as investments from backers.

The zinc microsponge technology utilized by Enzinc was recognized by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory as one of the "25 Technologies for the Next 25 Years." The technology offers a safe and cost-effective alternative to lithium-based batteries by eliminating safety concerns related to lithium batteries and delivering a robust and energy-dense battery replacement. Enzinc's batteries promise the power of lithium-ion batteries at the cost of lead-acid batteries, all while mitigating fire risks, reducing HVAC requirements, and expanding operating temperature ranges. The manufacturing center was made possible in part by a $1.8 million grant from the California Energy Commission's Electric Program Investment Charge.