New “Air” Battery Makes Larger Electric Aircraft Possible

cleantechnica.com Jul 2, 2026

New “Air” Battery Makes Larger Electric Aircraft Possible

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 2, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The US startup Air Energy has developed a new "air" battery, also known as a lithium-air battery, which could make larger electric aircraft possible. This technology uses oxygen as a key ingredient, saving weight and potentially boosting energy density. The development is a result of years of research, including support from the US Department of Energy and a partnership with the Illinois Institute of Technology. The new battery replaces liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte, achieving a four-electron reaction at room temperature and operating with ambient oxygen. This breakthrough could enable the creation of full-sized cargo and passenger planes powered by electric batteries, representing a significant step forward in the aviation industry's transition away from kerosene jet fuel, with potential applications in electric mobility and energy storage.

💡 Why It Matters

· Lithium-air batteries can unlock electric flight for larger aircraft, transforming the aviation industry's environmental footprint.
· By achieving high energy density without heavy storage tanks, these batteries can power planes that were previously impossible to electrify.

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Residential Batteries Are Becoming An Active Grid Management Tool

Homeowners in the United States have increasingly adopted residential batteries to store excess electricity generated by solar panels, with a record 673 megawatts of new installations in the first quarter of 2026. This trend coincides with rising electricity costs and state incentives, such as California's offer of better prices for electricity exported to the grid after sunset and Hawaii's one-time payment of $400 per kilowatt of battery storage. The growing capacity of home batteries is providing options for grid operators to manage electricity demand, including virtual power plants that coordinate energy storage and discharge.

💡 Rising electricity costs and the increasing adoption of residential batteries are transforming the grid, enabling homeowners to lower their utility bills and providing grid operators with a new tool to manage demand. This shift is also creating opportunities for companies to tap into home battery capacity for data centers, potentially reducing the strain on the grid and lowering energy costs for these facilities.

energy-storage.news · Jul 2

Vena Energy secures AU$1.4 billion to scale Australian platform with solar and…

Vena Energy, a Singapore-headquartered clean energy developer, has secured AU$1.4 billion in green finance to support 614MW of solar PV capacity and 1,141MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Australia. The financing was provided by a range of lenders, including BNP Paribas, ING Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and will support operational and under-construction solar and BESS projects across South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. This financing consolidates Vena Energy's battery storage pipeline in Australia.

💡 The AU$1.4 billion financing deal cements Australia's position as a key market for Vena Energy, with the company's solar and battery strategy and assets receiving a strong endorsement. This significant milestone for Vena Energy's Australian business underscores the growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure and grid stability in the region.

energy-storage.news · Jul 2

Alsym Energy signs 9GWh sodium-ion BESS agreement with consultancy for global mining…

Alsym Energy, a US sodium-ion battery startup, has partnered with consultancy Erity to provide 9GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for global mining operations. The agreement aims to reduce mining's reliance on diesel generators, which consume approximately 125 billion litres of diesel annually and contribute to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Alsym's non-flammable technology is ideal for mining use-cases, offering operational cost savings and a reliable alternative to traditional energy sources.

💡 This partnership marks a significant shift towards electrification in the mining sector, where diesel generators currently dominate. By providing a reliable and low-emission alternative, Alsym and Erity can help mining companies reduce their operating costs and environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

therobotreport.com · Jul 2

Blattner awards Built Robotics $75M contract for physical AI to help meet…

Blattner Co. and Built Robotics Inc. have announced a $75 million contract to scale autonomous construction systems across Blattner projects nationwide. The agreement expands on their partnership, which has already led to seven successful deployments on utility-scale solar projects totaling over 1 gigawatt of capacity. Built Robotics' physical AI technology will help Blattner meet the nation's soaring energy needs and prioritize workforce safety. With over 115 years of construction experience, Blattner has built critical infrastructure across the U.S. and is the industry leader in solar and battery storage construction.

💡 The partnership between Blattner and Built Robotics underscores the growing importance of physical AI in meeting the nation's increasing energy demands. As the construction industry grapples with labor shortages and safety risks, autonomous systems can dramatically enhance jobsite productivity and mitigate traditional safety risks.

cleantechnica.com · Jul 2

Firmus Secures 600 MW Energy Supply Agreement in South Australia, Linked to…

Firmus has secured a 12-year wholesale energy supply agreement with Gunvor Group for 600 MW of firm electricity to support its South Australian expansion. The agreement will underpin the development of 1.2 GW of new renewable generation and 1.5 GWh of new battery storage by 2032. Firmus will reduce its electricity consumption for up to 220 hours each year when wholesale prices exceed agreed thresholds, easing pressure on wholesale prices. The agreement supports Firmus' Australian Energy and Water Policies and its strategy to develop large-scale AI Factory campuses across regional Australia, representing 2.7 GW of planned capacity. This landmark agreement is a key step in Firmus' plans to bring long-term investment and skilled employment to South Australia.

💡 The deal unlocks renewable supply and firming through a single commercial solution, demonstrating how long-term customer demand can support investment in new generation and storage. It sets a precedent for models that deliver reliable and flexible supply outcomes, paving the way for similar agreements in the future.

energy-storage.news · Jul 2

Scotland: ContourGlobal 2GWh acquisition, Zenobē and Revera FIDs on 800MWh projects

ContourGlobal has acquired a 500MW/2,000MWh battery energy storage project in Scotland, marking its entry into the UK market. Zenobē has reached financial close on its 200MW/800MWh Coalburn project, while Revera has taken a final investment decision on its 400MW/800MWh Hunterston project. These projects total 3.6GWh of capacity and demonstrate significant investment in Scotland's energy storage sector. The acquisitions and investments highlight the country's attractiveness for large-scale battery energy storage projects. ContourGlobal's acquisition is one of the largest BESS projects under development in the UK.

💡 Scotland's hyperscale data center development is driving demand for large-scale energy storage, making it an attractive market for investors. The country's support for clean energy infrastructure is also a key factor in attracting major players like ContourGlobal and Revera.