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Iowa State University professors Steve Martin and Patrick Johnson received a $459,000 grant from the Iowa Energy Center to develop sodium-based batteries using accessible materials such as waste glass, biochar, and sulfur. The initiative aims to provide safer and cheaper alternatives to lithium-ion batteries and enhance energy storage for Iowa's wind energy sector.

The new batteries, which will utilize sodium ions, are designed to balance supply and demand during variable wind conditions. The project follows a previous grant focused on sodium stationary batteries, and the research team plans to utilize a new battery fabrication center at ISU for testing. The ultimate goal includes exploring commercialization opportunities for their technology while ensuring student training remains a priority.