e-Zinc

Powering the Grid

Sustainable energy storage for a renewed future

A trailblazer in energy storage technology, e-Zinc is making significant strides with its groundbreaking zinc-based solutions designed for long-duration applications. The Toronto-based company spearheads efforts to transform the renewable energy landscape by addressing the critical need for efficient and sustainable energy storage. James Larsen, CEO of e-Zinc, explores the company’s innovative technology, recent advancements, and strategic direction, shedding light on how it’s prepared to revolutionize the energy sector.

Larsen explains that e-Zinc’s proprietary zinc-based energy storage solution is focused on long-duration applications. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which can only discharge energy for a few hours, e-Zinc’s technology can sustain energy discharge for hours and even multiple days at rated power. This capability is crucial for enabling a renewable energy future as more renewable sources are added to the grid and fossil fuel assets are phased out.

The importance of long-duration storage in stabilizing the grid cannot be overstated. Larsen says, “As markets increase their renewable energy penetration to 60-70%, utilities will require long-duration storage solutions.” While California leads with about 50% penetration, other markets like Ontario are still below 10%. This highlights the varying timelines for grid-scale adoption of long-duration storage across different regions.

Target markets and applications

e-Zinc’s go-to-market strategy prioritizes immediate applications where long-duration storage is essential. Larsen identifies two primary markets: resilience applications and remote or off-grid applications.

Resilience applications focus on providing backup power behind the meter, replacing diesel generators with e-Zinc’s clean, cost-effective technology. This is particularly beneficial for customer sites relying on diesel for backup power, offering a cleaner alternative and reducing costs.

For off-grid applications, e-Zinc targets remote mining operations, island nations, and remote communities that heavily depend on fossil fuels. Larsen explains that replacing these fossil fuel assets with renewables combined with e-Zinc’s technology presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impact and costs.

Feasibility of mandated electrification

Discussing the feasibility of mandated electrification, Larsen provides a sobering perspective. “The goal set at COP last year was to triple the world’s renewable energy supply by 2030, reaching 11 terawatts. This ambitious target requires an unprecedented level of coordination and effort. The last tripling took 12 years; achieving the same in six years from a larger base is incredibly challenging.”

He highlights several barriers, including system interconnection queues and the bandwidth of EPC companies to construct new facilities. “Moreover, most long-duration energy storage companies, including e-Zinc, are still in the early stages of commercialization. We must rapidly commercialize to support the volume of renewables required on the grid.”

Technological advancements

e-Zinc is transitioning from the prototyping phase to the pilot scale, marking a significant milestone. “We’ve spent the last decade prototyping, using methods like CNC mills and 3D printers. We’re moving towards manufacturing methods and processes representative of scale, such as soft tools and molds,” Larsen shares.

The company has recently built a 42,000-square-foot pilot-scale manufacturing facility in Mississauga. “This new facility consolidates our operations under one roof for the first time since 2020, allowing us to refine our technology further. We aim to finalize the design for certification and verify the manufacturing methods and processes before moving to full commercial scale,” he adds.

Commercial applications and market fit

Looking ahead, Larsen outlines where e-Zinc’s technology fits in the commercial realm. The first market is resilience, which involves providing behind-the-meter backup power. For example, data centers in California experiencing blackouts typically use diesel generators, which are polluting and costly. e-Zinc’s technology offers a cleaner, economic alternative that also participates in energy markets to generate revenue.

The technology behaves like a battery for monetization and a diesel generator for backup power, offering customers the best of both worlds. This dual capability provides a clean, economic solution for their needs.

Core values and roadmap

E-Zinc’s success is rooted in its core values: safety, truth, results, team, mastery, and value. Larsen elaborates, “Our core values guide our operations and interactions. For instance, ‘truth’ means an honest and authentic assessment of ourselves and our customer’s needs, ensuring transparency and candor.”

These values foster cohesiveness within the team and align their efforts towards common objectives. “We recognize and reward adherence to these values, ensuring that everyone works together towards our vision of enabling a renewable energy future,” Larsen states.

The company’s immediate focus is successfully deploying its first major commercial pilot project with the California Energy Commission, slated for Q1 2026. “Our roadmap involves further technology refinements, in-house testing, and packaging for deployment in California. We are laser-focused on execution to meet these milestones,” Larsen emphasizes.

Human capital and company growth

Over the past 18 months, the team size has doubled. “While we’ve done most of our hiring, we may still fill a few roles. Our team is now in a strong operating rhythm, preparing for our next capital raise in about 18 months,” Larsen says. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our core values and vision,” he adds.

The journey has not been without challenges. As Larsen explains, “The transition from prototyping to pilot scale has been complex, requiring meticulous planning and execution. We’ve had to overcome various technical and logistical hurdles, but our team’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in navigating these challenges.”

The company’s strategic approach involves rigorous testing and validation of its technology. “We are focused on ensuring that our solutions are effective but also reliable and scalable. This involves extensive research and development and collaboration with industry partners to validate our technology in real-world scenarios,” Larsen notes.

The role of industry partnerships

Partnerships play a crucial role in e-Zinc’s growth and development. Larsen highlights the importance of collaboration with industry leaders and stakeholders. “We work closely with various partners, including the California Energy Commission, to ensure that our technology meets the highest standards and can be effectively integrated into existing energy systems.”

These partnerships also provide valuable insights and opportunities for innovation. “Collaborating with industry leaders allows us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and adapt our solutions to meet the evolving market needs,” Larsen adds.

Vision for the future

e-Zinc’s roadmap includes continuous innovation and expansion. “We are focused on refining our technology, scaling our operations, and expanding our market reach. Our new pilot-scale facility in Mississauga is a significant step towards achieving commercial scale, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead,” Larsen says.

Larsen’s vision for the future of e-Zinc is ambitious and forward-thinking. “Our ultimate goal is to enable a fully renewable energy grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. We believe that long-duration energy storage is key to achieving this goal, and we are committed to advancing our technology to make this vision a reality.”

Technology Impact

e-Zinc’s technology has far-reaching implications beyond just environmental benefits. “Our solutions support the transition to renewable energy and provide economic advantages,” Larsen explains. “By offering a cost-effective alternative to diesel generators and other traditional power sources, we help reduce operational costs for our customers while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

The technology also tackles critical challenges in energy storage. “Long-duration storage is essential for maintaining grid stability and reliability as we integrate more renewable energy sources,” Larsen notes. “Our technology provides a robust solution to these challenges, supporting the development of a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.”

Personal journey and leadership

Larsen’s journey to e-Zinc reflects his passion for renewable energy and innovation. “I joined e-Zinc in 2018, drawn by the opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector,” he shares. “Working with utilities across North and South America, I saw firsthand the need for long-duration storage solutions and recognized the potential of e-Zinc’s technology.”

He emphasizes the importance of the team in its success. “Our team is our greatest asset, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation is essential to our success. We are united by a shared vision and driven by our core values, working together to achieve our goals,” Larsen proudly states.

Under Larsen’s leadership, e-Zinc’s innovative technology is paving the way for a sustainable future. With a clear focus on long-duration energy storage and immediate applications in resilience and remote markets, e-Zinc is set to play a critical role in the global energy transition. As Larsen aptly says, “This is the holy grail to unlock our renewable energy future.”

AT A GLANCE

e-Zinc

What: A company specializing in zinc-air battery technology, which offers a sustainable, long-duration energy storage solution.

Where: Toronto, Canada

Website: https://www.e-zinc.ca/