PNNL

This seminar will explore the history, evolution, and future of energy storage technologies, starting from the origins of lead-acid batteries to today's advanced lithium-ion systems. Attendees will gain insights into the decades-long journey of battery development and learn how scientists and engineers at PNNL are driving efforts to significantly shorten development cycles, ensuring new energy storage technologies become real-world successes faster than ever before. You’ll also learn about some of the exciting technologies scientists are using to identify and test alternative materials like sodium, zinc, and even iron to create batteries that are safer, cheaper, longer-lasting, and less reliant on hard-to-source minerals. From sodium-ion and solid-state to flow batteries and beyond, we’ll break down what these technologies are, how they work, and why they matter—not just for the energy industry, but for your daily life.