Indian deep-tech startup Meine Electric has achieved a major milestone in long-duration energy storage (LDES) with the independent validation of its fast-charging iron-air battery technology by Customized Energy Solutions (CES), a US-headquartered energy services and technology company and parent organisation of the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).
The validation was conducted by the CES Battery Laboratory through a structured testing programme evaluating electrochemical performance, capacity retention and operational stability. Testing of two iron-air electrochemical cells confirmed the technology’s ability to operate reliably under an asymmetric duty cycle, comprising six hours of charging followed by 18 hours of continuous discharge.
Meine Electric’s proprietary Fast Charge Long Discharge (FCLD) technology addresses one of the key limitations of conventional iron-air battery systems, which have traditionally been focused on multi-day storage applications due to longer charging cycles. The company’s innovation enables iron-air batteries to achieve a six-hour charging window and 18-hour discharge duration, making the technology suitable for daily renewable energy balancing applications.
Unlike conventional approaches designed for extended storage durations, Meine Electric’s system has been engineered specifically for renewable-rich power grids that require efficient capture of surplus solar energy during the day and reliable electricity supply during evening and overnight demand periods. The technology combines abundant iron-based materials, inherent safety characteristics and lower projected storage costs compared with lithium-ion alternatives.
“Traditional iron-air systems have been limited by long charging cycles, restricting their use in daily renewable energy applications. Our Fast Charge Long Discharge technology transforms iron-air batteries into a practical solution for everyday grid balancing by enabling rapid charging within a six-to-eight-hour window while maintaining extended discharge capability,” said Priyansh Mohan, Co-founder and CEO, Meine Electric.
Founded in 2023 by Priyansh Mohan and Stuti Kakkar, Meine Electric is among the first companies in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the few globally developing iron-air long-duration energy storage solutions. The company’s technology is designed to support India’s renewable energy expansion and complement existing storage technologies by providing affordable, reliable and scalable energy storage.
The company’s proprietary platform targets a levelised cost of storage (LCOS) of less than $0.05 per kWh, enabling cost-effective renewable energy firming and supporting greater flexibility for power infrastructure. The systems are designed to strengthen grid reliability, support renewable integration and improve operational flexibility of existing energy assets.
“The energy sector requires solutions that deliver both affordability and reliability. Iron-air technology offers a strong foundation for building resilient renewable energy infrastructure, and we believe it can play a critical role in the transition towards cleaner power systems,” said Stuti Kakkar, Co-founder and COO, Meine Electric.
The independent validation by CES strengthens Meine Electric’s technology roadmap as the company advances towards larger demonstrations, pilot deployments and commercial partnerships with utilities and industrial users. The company is focused on developing India-built energy storage solutions to support the global transition towards dependable, round-the-clock renewable power.
