Anthro Energy lands $25M to revolutionize battery tech with safer, high-power cells
Anthro Energy has secured nearly $25 million in US government funding to build a cutting-edge battery factory in Kentucky. The company’s new technology, a polymer-based electrolyte called Anthro Proteus, promises safer and more powerful batteries for everything from electric vehicles to military equipment. Construction is set to begin by mid-2025, with plans to train workers in partnership with nearby army bases.
The company’s breakthrough centres on an injectable phase-change electrolyte (IPCE), a proprietary polymer that replaces the flammable liquid electrolytes found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. This shift not only boosts safety but also extends battery lifespan and enables higher energy density. In 2022, the technology earned Anthro Energy a finalist spot in the US Army’s xTech innovation competition.
The Kentucky factory will focus on producing semi-solid electrolytes tailored for electric vehicle batteries, defence systems, and advanced electronics. Anthro Energy’s design allows the new electrolyte to be used as a direct replacement in existing battery production lines, simplifying adoption. To build a skilled workforce, the company will collaborate with Fort Knox and Fort Campbell on recruitment and training initiatives.
With $24.9 million in Department of Energy funding, the factory will support a wide range of applications, from consumer devices to large-scale energy storage. The ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for mid-2025, marking a key step toward commercialising the next generation of high-performance batteries.
