Call for Research Proposals: UltraStore Iron-Air Batteries for Low-cost Long-Duration Storage (UK)

Deadline: 05-Oct-26

The Faraday Institution is inviting researchers to apply for its UltraStore Iron-Air Research Sprints, supporting the development of iron-air battery prototypes for ultra-low-cost, long-duration energy storage. Up to £1.4 million will fund as many as five 18-month research projects, with each project eligible for up to £280,000.

About the UltraStore Iron-Air Research Sprints

The UltraStore Iron-Air Research Sprints are part of the Faraday Institution’s Transformational Challenges, which address major technical barriers to energy storage as electricity systems transition toward renewable energy. The programme focuses on iron-air battery technology as a potential solution for storing renewable electricity over very long periods. The goal is to develop energy storage technologies that can help the UK electricity grid manage variable renewable generation and provide reliable power when renewable output is low. What Does the Programme Aim to Develop? Funded research projects will work toward developing a single-cell iron-air electrochemical energy storage prototype with separate power and energy components. The programme has ambitious technical targets:

Discharge duration: More than 100 hours.

Installed system cost: Less than US$15 per kWh.

Technology: Iron-air electrochemical energy storage.

Target application: Ultra-low-cost, long-duration energy storage for a renewables-dominated electricity system.

Prototype objective: Demonstrate a single cell capable of supporting the programme’s long-duration storage goals.

Why Iron-Air Batteries? Iron-air batteries are being explored as a form of long-duration energy storage (LDES) because they can potentially use relatively abundant and inexpensive materials. Unlike conventional batteries designed primarily for short-duration applications, long-duration storage systems are intended to retain electricity for many hours or longer. The UltraStore programme is therefore focused on overcoming technical limitations that currently affect the practicality and performance of iron-air systems. Key Research Challenges Research teams are expected to address fundamental scientific and engineering barriers affecting iron-air battery performance.

Priority challenges include:

Improving round-trip efficiency. Increasing operational discharge power. Improving energy density. Developing reliable electrochemical processes. Reducing overall system costs. Demonstrating long-duration discharge capability. Improving the scalability and practicality of iron-air storage systems. The programme encourages interdisciplinary research, bringing together expertise from areas such as chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, engineering, physics and energy systems. Funding Available Approximately £1.4 million in initial funding is available through the Research Sprints.

The funding structure is:

Up to five Research Sprints will be supported. Each Research Sprint can receive up to £280,000. Each funded project will run for 18 months. Additional funding may become available for related research following satisfactory progress. Further research funding may be available beyond June 2028, subject to programme progress and funding availability. Who Can Benefit From the Funding? The programme is intended for research teams capable of addressing the scientific and technical challenges associated with iron-air energy storage. Strong applications are expected to demonstrate: Relevant expertise in electrochemical energy storage. Capability to undertake experimental and prototype development. A credible approach to addressing iron-air battery limitations. Potential to contribute toward ultra-low-cost, long-duration energy storage. A clear pathway toward the programme’s technical targets. Why This Research Matters The transition to renewable electricity creates a major need for affordable energy storage. Solar and wind generation are variable, meaning electricity supply does not always match demand. Long-duration storage can help bridge these periods by storing electricity when renewable generation is high and releasing it when additional power is needed. The UltraStore programme is therefore focused not simply on developing another battery, but on finding a storage technology capable of combining: Very long discharge duration. Low installation costs. Adequate power output. Improved efficiency. Scalable materials and manufacturing approaches. Achieving these objectives could help strengthen the UK’s future energy system and support greater integration of renewable electricity. How the Research Sprints Work

Step 1: Define the Technical Challenge

Research teams should identify a specific scientific or engineering barrier limiting iron-air battery performance.

Step 2: Develop an Interdisciplinary Research Approach

Applicants should bring together the expertise required to address the selected challenge, particularly where progress depends on multiple scientific disciplines.

Step 3: Target Prototype Development

Projects should contribute toward the development of a single-cell iron-air electrochemical energy storage prototype.

Step 4: Address Performance and Cost

Research should demonstrate how the proposed work could contribute to the programme’s long-term targets for: More than 100-hour discharge. Less than US$15/kWh installed system cost. Improved efficiency. Greater operational power. Higher energy density.

Step 5: Demonstrate Progress

Successful projects will need to demonstrate meaningful progress during the 18-month Research Sprint. Satisfactory progress may provide opportunities for further related research funding. Important Technical Targets The main targets can be summarized as follows:

Battery chemistry: Iron-air.

Storage category: Long-duration energy storage.

Prototype: Single electrochemical cell.

Discharge duration: More than 100 hours.

Installed cost target: Below US$15/kWh.

Initial programme funding: Approximately £1.4 million.

Maximum projects: Five.

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