Press Release

WH-Power (WHP) proudly showcased its groundbreaking innovations in rechargeable battery technology during the ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit 2025. WH-Power’s technologies aim to deliver batteries that are five times better than existing technologies, restoring U.S. leadership in the field. The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit is where energy innovators forge the future and outlier energy ideas are brought to life. The Summit 20250 brings together energy scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, engineers, and industry visionaries who dare to disrupt the status quo. Over 400 exhibitors representing the boldest energy innovations came together on 3/17 at the annual conference, hosted at Gaylord National Resort in Washington, D.C. WH-Power was among the six select companies chosen to present their cutting-edge technologies, demonstrating ARPA-E’s commitment to transformative energy solutions. As a proud participant in the PROPEL 1K program, WH-Power is revolutionizing battery chemistry with Rechargeable CFx batteries capable of achieving 1000 Wh/kg at the system level—an unprecedented leap forward in energy storage. This technology offers a fivefold improvement over current alternatives and aligns with WH-Power’s mission to drive U.S. leadership in battery innovation. Innovation for a Better World!

University of Maryland researchers developing next-generation energy solutions won a $1.5 million award to advance batteries for electric maritime and rail vehicles—an effort that could revolutionize modern transportation and curtail millions of tons of yearly greenhouse gas emissions. The UMD team led by the two researchers is a joint effort with WH-Power, an energy solutions company co-founded by Wang, Distinguished University Professor Liangbing Hu and Associate Dean for Research Robert Briber. Cockeysville-based manufacturer Saft America, a collaborator in other battery research ventures at UMD, is also part of the initiative.

WH-Power “Low Cost All Temperature Zn Battery” obtained a $500K grant from ARPA-E! Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of a high-entropy electrolyte and pulp-based zinc battery. Specifically, the project team will (1) develop and test battery material composition, (2) fabricate battery components, (3) combine components, test, and verify functionality and temperature range, and (4) adjust or correct components, test, and verify final design. If successful, this project would result in a safer and lower cost zinc battery that could operate in temperature ranges from -80 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius, for use in residential and grid-scale energy storage applications and produced from abundant materials that are readily available domestically.

Maryland is already famous for its crabs — but researchers at the University of Maryland are looking to give that distinction an entirely different meaning. A team of scientists at the school’s Center for Materials Innovation found that crustaceans like crabs and lobsters contain a chemical in their shells called chitin, which can be used to power batteries when combined with zinc. Crustacean shells packed with this chemical are typically thrown out en masse by restaurants that have no other use for them. But researchers believe this waste could serve as a powerful resource in the search for more sustainable batteries.

A substance called chitosan, found in the shells of crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, is being explored as a key component in developing biodegradable and sustainable batteries for renewable energy storage. These chitosan-based zinc batteries offer a potentially more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous and have limited lifespans.

The University of Maryland (UMD) team seeks to fabricate fast-charging batteries in which the electrolyte comprises a cellulose fiber-based ion conductor. The cellulose-based ion conductor overcomes the gap from current solid-state electrolytes to solid-state batteries because they use natural materials, are easy to process, and are compatible with conventional coating processes. UMD’s approach could enable high conductivity at room temperature, high energy density, and roll-to-roll manufacturing of nano-paper batteries with low cost. UMD’s cellulose-based batteries will be capable of empowering electric vehicles (EV) with high energy and fast charge, promoting U.S. leadership in the EV market.