As the energy transition accelerates, energy storage is becoming a cornerstone of modern power systems, addressing challenges in grid stability, renewable integration, and energy reliability. With rising electricity demand and increasing renewable penetration, investors are pouring billions into storage technologies that range from advanced lithium-ion alternatives to long-duration solutions like iron-air and compressed air storage. The following 15 startups, ranked by highest funding, are at the forefront of energy storage innovation, developing scalable solutions to reshape the future of clean energy.
1. Recurrent Energy (USA)
Funding: $3.1B
Recurrent Energy is a major developer of large-scale solar and energy storage projects. With over $3 billion in funding, the company focuses on utility-scale battery storage to enhance grid reliability and renewable energy integration.
2. Zenobe Energy (UK)
Funding: $2.9B
Zenobe Energy is the largest independent owner and operator of battery storage in the UK. The company provides grid-scale batteries and fleet electrification solutions, working closely with utilities and commercial EV operators to ensure stable and efficient power systems.
3. Bloom Energy (USA)
Funding: $2.1B
Bloom Energy specializes in on-site power generation systems that utilize a wide range of fuel sources, including hydrogen and biogas. Its solid oxide fuel cells offer a reliable and low-carbon energy storage alternative.
4. Eos Energy Storage (USA)
Funding: $1.3B
Eos Energy Storage designs and manufactures cost-effective zinc-based battery systems. Unlike traditional lithium-ion solutions, its technology is designed for long-duration storage at a lower cost and with greater safety.
5. Form Energy (USA)
Funding: $1.2B
Form Energy is pioneering a new class of ultra-low-cost, long-duration energy storage systems. Its iron-air battery technology aims to provide multi-day storage solutions to support renewable energy integration.
6. Longroad Energy (USA)
Funding: $1.1B
Longroad Energy focuses on the development of wind, solar, and battery storage projects. The company builds, owns, and operates large-scale energy storage assets to improve grid reliability and renewable energy deployment.
7. Sunfire (Germany)
Funding: €918M
Sunfire develops high-temperature electrolysis and power-to-liquid technology. By converting renewable electricity into hydrogen and synthetic fuels, the company provides an innovative solution for long-term energy storage.
8. Group14 Technologies (USA)
Funding: $756.2M
Group14 Technologies is a battery materials company that specializes in silicon-carbon composite anodes. Its advanced materials enable high-performance lithium-ion batteries with greater energy density and faster charging times.
9. Stem (USA)
Funding: $582.6M
Stem leverages AI-driven energy storage systems to help businesses and utilities optimize energy costs and reduce peak demand charges. The company’s smart storage solutions enhance grid resilience and renewable energy adoption.
10. Highview Power (UK)
Funding: $445.5M
Highview Power’s CRYOBattery technology stores energy in liquid air, providing a long-duration storage alternative to conventional battery technologies. The company focuses on enabling a 100% renewable energy future.
11. Energy Vault (Switzerland)
Funding: $430M
Energy Vault develops gravity-based energy storage solutions that use renewable energy to lift and lower massive blocks, storing and releasing energy without degradation over time.
12. EnerVenue (USA)
Funding: $420.1M
EnerVenue provides metal-hydrogen batteries designed for large-scale renewable and storage applications. Its batteries offer a long lifespan, low maintenance, and high energy efficiency.
13. Our Next Energy (ONE) (USA)
Funding: $390M
Our Next Energy (ONE) develops advanced battery storage solutions aimed at extending the range of electric vehicles and enhancing grid energy storage. The company focuses on sustainability and eliminating reliance on critical minerals like cobalt.
14. ESS Inc. (USA)
Funding: $374.5M
ESS specializes in long-duration energy storage with its innovative iron flow battery technology. Using earth-abundant materials like iron, salt, and water, the company provides sustainable and scalable grid storage solutions.
15. NineDot Energy (USA)
Funding: $349.2M
NineDot Energy is transforming urban energy infrastructure by developing battery storage projects that improve grid resilience. It focuses on deploying distributed energy storage systems in underutilized properties.
Climate Insider Analysis
Energy storage remains one of the most critical sectors for accelerating the clean energy transition. The startups listed above are securing significant funding to scale up innovations that address grid reliability, renewable integration, and long-duration storage challenges. Several key trends emerge:
- Long-duration energy storage is a major focus, with companies like Form Energy, Highview Power, and ESS Inc. developing alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
- Grid-scale storage expansion is evident, as companies like Zenobe Energy and Recurrent Energy invest in large-scale deployments to stabilize energy networks.
- AI and software-driven optimization is gaining traction, as seen with Stem’s AI-powered storage management and NineDot Energy’s urban grid solutions.
As 2025 approaches, investors and policymakers will continue to support energy storage startups that can deliver cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable solutions to meet global energy demands.
Featured Image: Credit: Reuters
