A startup developing long-duration batteries, Skip Technology, has partnered with the Puyallup Tribal Enterprises in an exclusive manufacturing deal to create innovative energy storage devices. The tribe is the lead investor in a recent $1.3 million funding round for the startup. The partnership aims to diversify the tribe’s economic base beyond casinos while aligning with Skip Tech’s environmentally friendly, sustainable, and impactful goals. The batteries developed by Skip Tech, called hydrogen bromine flow batteries, can store and release clean energy over a longer period than traditional lithium batteries, making them ideal for rural communities and businesses that need reliable backup power.
Puyallup Tribal Enterprises will manufacture the batteries alongside other manufacturing ventures at its facilities in Washington. The organization will initially build all components for the batteries except the cells as part of the partnership. With plans to train tribal members for new roles and support job creation, the Puyallup Tribe is excited about this opportunity, acknowledging the calculated risk involved but recognizing the potential for revenue and global impact. Skip Tech has also secured funding from the National Science Foundation and venture capital firms, adding to the support for their innovative battery technology.
Co-founders Ben Brown and Brennan Gantner, both with backgrounds in science and entrepreneurship, were drawn to hydrogen bromine batteries due to their interest in exploring newer technology within the energy storage field. The team’s innovation lies in creating a liquid membrane for the battery cell, using advanced plastics and 3D printing to overcome the challenges associated with strong acids in traditional hydrogen bromine batteries. Skip Tech’s design, housed in 20-foot-long shipping containers, offers a cost-effective and safe alternative to lithium batteries while providing reliable energy storage for residential and commercial needs.
Skip Tech aims to conduct a pilot test of a commercial prototype by 2025 and is planning an alpha test at a rural industrial business this fall. Recognizing the urgency for grid-scale energy storage solutions and the need for cities to be powered by batteries, the team is focused on refining their designs and addressing any challenges that arise along the way. With only one other hydrogen bromine flow battery company currently in existence, the potential for Skip Tech to make an impact in the market is significant. The team’s expertise in battery technology and commitment to sustainable energy solutions position them to be key players in the transition to renewable power sources.
This partnership between Skip Tech and the Puyallup Tribe exemplifies the importance of collaboration in the development of innovative energy storage technologies. By combining the manufacturing capabilities of the tribe with Skip Tech’s cutting-edge battery design, the project has the potential to create jobs, generate revenue, and make a global impact. With plans to build workforce training programs and engage tribal members in the manufacturing process, the partnership represents a significant step towards diversifying economic opportunities for the tribe while fostering sustainable energy solutions.
In a competitive market that is increasingly focused on renewable energy sources, Skip Tech’s hydrogen bromine flow batteries offer a promising alternative to traditional lithium batteries. The technology addresses the challenge of storing clean energy for longer durations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including rural communities and businesses in need of reliable backup power. With a strong foundation in scientific research and entrepreneurship, Skip Tech is well-positioned to commercialize its battery technology and contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
