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US Department of Energy Commits $30 Million to Advance Energy Storage, Building Efficiency and Innovation

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E), has announced $30 million in funding across three targeted programs aimed at lowering electricity costs, advancing next-generation energy storage, and supporting early-stage energy innovators.

Of the total allocation, $15 million has been earmarked for the second phase of the Jumpstart Opportunities to Unleash Leadership in Energy Storage with 1K Energy Storage Systems (JOULES-1K) program. An additional $5 million will support four projects under the Galvanizing Leaps in Advanced Super INsulating Glass (GLASING) initiative, while $10 million will be directed toward 18 early-career researchers selected under ARPA-E’s 2025 Inspiring Generations of New Innovators to Impact Technologies in Energy (IGNIITE) program.

Funding under JOULES-1K Phase II will be awarded to six projects that demonstrated the most promising energy storage chemistries during the program’s first phase. These projects were evaluated using 1 kWh test systems, along with assessments of 1 MWh-scale performance and cost models.

The JOULES-1K program targets energy storage systems capable of achieving at least 1,000 Wh/kg and 1,000 Wh/l at the net-system level by the end of their operational life—representing a fourfold increase in energy density compared to today’s advanced storage technologies. According to ARPA-E, successful outcomes could significantly enhance the performance of applications such as drones, robotics, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and other national security-related platforms.

The GLASING program funding will support the development of advanced window technologies designed to minimise energy losses in buildings. Projects under the initiative aim to create low-cost, high-performance vacuum-insulated glazing capable of delivering three times the thermal efficiency of commonly used double-pane windows, while maintaining optical clarity and cost competitiveness.

DOE said these technologies could make high-performance windows more practical and affordable for both existing buildings and new construction, contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills.

Under the IGNIITE program, ARPA-E will provide up to $10 million to support 18 early-career engineers and scientists pursuing unconventional, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential to deliver transformative energy technologies. Each selected project may receive up to $500,000 in funding.

Research areas supported under IGNIITE span a wide range of technologies, including critical minerals, fusion concepts, advanced materials, geothermal energy, battery and component manufacturing, grid technologies, oil and gas systems, and industrial and water efficiency solutions.