ION Storage Systems, a company based out of Prince George’s County, is developing ceramic batteries purported to be safer than their lithium-ion counterparts.
Maryland’s leaders have set ambitious goals for transitioning toward renewable energy. The most utilized technologies in meeting those ambitions are solar and wind energy, which, unlike fossil fuels, are not continuously available. By storing surplus power for periods when generation is minimal, batteries provide a bridge and make a fully renewable grid possible. One major drawback to that future is the propensity of current batteries (primarily lithium-ion batteries) to fail and become a significant fire hazard.
Counties are very familiar with the risks associated with evolving battery technology. Across the state, county public works and fire departments find it increasingly necessary to include battery safety and response in their regular training. HB468/SB532, introduced by Del. Sara Love and Senator Jason Gallion, created the Commission to Advance Lithium–Ion Battery Safety in Maryland, with the express purpose of developing better safety protocols to protect Maryland residents.
One Prince George’s based company, ION Storage Systems, is in the process of developing an alternative to lithium-ion technology, which is purported to be safer, liter, and more efficient,
“Batteries have a flammable liquid electrolyte. We all know all the recalls because batteries are catching fire,” said ION Storage CEO Ricky Hanna. “So we’ve taken that flammable liquid electrolyte out and we’ve replaced it with our solid state ceramic, which is like ceramic, like a dinner plate. Dinner plates don’t catch fire, right? And so not only is it a safe battery, it’s also a better battery.” (WTOP)
The company is on track to begin production of these new ceramic batteries sometime in 2027 and anticipates that it will be able to scale them to fit in everything from phones to vehicles and beyond. If ION is successful, this could potentially be a major win not only for Marylanders’ safety but also for the state economy as the world transitions to a battery-heavy future.
