In the quest for cleaner cement production, Queens Carbon has developed a new process that significantly reduces the required temperature to under 540°C, making it more feasible and energy-efficient. The company’s CEO, CTO, and co-founder, Daniel Kopp, highlighted the potential for utilizing renewable electricity to further reduce emissions. Queens Carbon has been awarded $14.5 million to support the construction of a pilot plant in partnership with a major cement producer, with plans to scale up to a full-size plant by 2028 or 2029.
Meanwhile, Ion Storage Systems, based in Maryland, is working on solid-state lithium-metal technology to advance battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs). This technology has the potential to increase energy density and offer longer range for EVs. Initially targeting military customers, Ion Storage Systems aims to use the $20 million funding to further develop its technology for a larger-scale production to cater to the wider EV market. CTO Greg Hitz emphasized the importance of manufacturing scalability and highlighted the simplicity of integrating their batteries into battery packs without the need for high pressure or heat.
Both companies are addressing critical challenges in their respective industries, with innovative solutions that hold promise for a more sustainable future.