The 2025 BCI Innovation Award has been awarded to US research institute Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for its work in furthering lead-battery technologies and capabilities.
PNNL was recognised for establishing its Grid Storage Launchpad (GSL). The energy storage research facility’s groundbreaking work aids the US’ efforts to build next generation energy storage solutions.
The GSL is located on PNNL’s Richland, Washington campus. The $75 million research facility is funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity.
Research at the facility is focused on creating lead batteries and energy storage technologies.
The annual award by Battery Council International (BCI) celebrates innovations that advance the lead battery industry. Its recognises: sustainability, safety, cost, performance, uniqueness and value.
The Innovation Award was established in honour of Sally Breidegam Miksiewicz, the former CEO of East Penn Manufacturing.
The annual award recognises the spirit of partnership and collaboration between the private sector and national laboratories that GSL represents, said Roger Miksad, Executive Vice President of BCI.
“Partnerships between the private sector and US national labs are critical to supporting continuous improvement to existing technology and developing the next generation of energy storage solutions,” said Miksad.
Daramic, the lead-acid battery separator firm, received an Honourable Mention in recognition of its work on separators for low overcharge conditions in deep-cycle applications.
To watch a video of each submission to this year’s BCI Innovation Award and to learn more about the annual contest, visit batterycouncil.org/about/innovation-award.
Pic: Dr Vincent Sprenkle, director of the Grid Storage Launchpad and Megan Henderson, communications lead, PNNL
