AboutFlow Aluminum

Flow Aluminum Inc. is a pioneering deep-tech company developing and scaling a revolutionary battery technology for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We’re advancing sustainable energy solutions by innovating our proprietary Aluminum-CO2 battery technology. With cutting-edge research and a commitment to environmental impact, we strive to revolutionize the energy storage industry and drive the global transition toward a greener future. With a team of seasoned professionals and a commitment to sustainability, Flow Aluminum is at the forefront of the transition to a zero-carbon future.

Quick facts

Total funding	$850,000
Incorporation	May 2023
Lab opening	Summer 2024
Team size	7 members

Flow Aluminum was spun out of the University of New Mexico

Assistant Professor Shuya Wei, Chris Fetrow, Cameron Carugati, and Nogc Nguyen won first place in 2022’s Pitch Deck Competition, which is a $10k cash prize sponsored by Lobo Rainforest.

2023

Tom Chepucavage, a mentor for the UNM Accelerator, connected with them and began market research. The team entered the Innosphere REACH accelerator in early 2023 and then optioned the IP and incorporated in May.

2024

Simit Shah and Olaf Conrad joined the Executive Team in 2024, and the company closed a pre- seed round of $400k oversubscribed and was awarded the Advanced Energy Award of $400k by the State of New Mexico. Dr. Wei then also received a $50k grant from NASA to study extreme temperature performance. Chris Fetrow successfully defended her thesis in April 2024, and the team continues to advance, opening a lab in Albuquerque in the summer of 2024.

Mission

Our mission is to lead the transition to safe, high-performance, and lower-cost batteries that work in any environment, driving the world towards a sustainable, electrified future.

Vision

Our vision is to accelerate global electrification and achieve zero carbon emissions through the development and commercialization of groundbreaking aluminum battery technologies.

Core values

Innovation and Realism

Innovation intertwined with realism symbolizes our commitment to pioneering battery solutions while considering practicality and real-world application. We strive not only to push the boundaries of technology but also to ensure that our innovations are feasible, market-ready, and capable of making a tangible impact in the energy storage sector.

Sustainability and Profitability

Our dedication to sustainability is intricately linked with profitability, reflecting our belief that environmental responsibility and financial success go hand in hand. By prioritizing sustainable practices and products, we aim to create a profitable business model that not only benefits the bottom line but also contributes positively to the planet and society as a whole.

Integrity and Transparency

Integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of our operations, embodying our unwavering commitment to ethical behavior and open communication. We operate with integrity by making decisions based on principles, acting honestly in all dealings, and maintaining transparency to build trust with our stakeholders, ensuring that our actions align with our values.

Collaboration and Community

Collaboration goes beyond internal teamwork to embrace a broader sense of community involvement, emphasizing a collective effort to drive positive change. By working closely with stakeholders, local communities, and industry partners, we foster a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and shared problem-solving, ultimately leading to innovative solutions that benefit both our company and the communities we serve.

Excellence and Mentorship

Excellence paired with mentorship reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and nurturing talent within our organization and beyond. We strive for excellence in all we do, setting high standards for quality and performance, while also actively mentoring and developing the next generation of innovators and leaders in the energy storage industry to ensure a legacy of excellence and advancement.

Company strategy

Market analysis

Emerging Technology

The BESS market is looking Beyond Lithium, and our Aluminum-CO2 battery technology offers a groundbreaking solution with its high energy density, scalability, and eco-friendly characteristics.

Market Opportunity

A significant opportunity exists to capture market share by focusing on the development and scaling up of long-duration energy storage solutions using our novel battery technology.

Target market

Utilities and grid operators

Partnering with utilities to enhance grid stability, peak shaving, and renewable energy integration.

Commercial and industrial (C&I) sector

Providing energy cost management solutions, backup power, and resilience through BESS deployment.

Residential BESS solution providers

Building a white label home energy solution and licensing the distribution and installation rights to established market players.

Competitive analysis

Key competitors

Any developer of LFP cells as well as Beyond Lithium deep-tech companies, including Flow Batteries, Metal-Air Batteries and non-battery technologies.

Differentiation strategy

Differentiate through the unique electrochemistry in ionic liquids offering a much wider operating temperature range and, when combined with the reversible redox chemistry of CO2 and aluminum, significant cost and supply security benefits over lithium and other competing technologies.

Strategic partnerships

Collaborate with technology developers, research institutions, and industry leaders to leverage the differentiating position.

Leadership team

Tom Chepucavage

CEO and Co-Founder

Simit D. Shah

CFO/COO

Chris Fetrow

Chief Scientist and Co-Founder

Olaf Conrad

CTO

Sustainability initiatives

Making aluminum and CO2 accessible as energy storage materials is a major contribution to the greater sustainability of our energy system. Our first product will be a sealed system containing all required materials in a closed loop during its lifetime. Our product engineering will focus the sustainability efforts towards making the product easily recyclable through a combination of material choices and design-for-disassembly to ensure clean material streams that can go directly into established recycling operations. Flow Aluminum is committed to sustainability in every aspect of our operations. Our aluminum batteries are designed using low-cost, widely available materials, eliminating the geopolitical and supply chain risks associated with lithium and cobalt. We prioritize safety, reducing the risk of fires and explosions, and our technologies offer longer battery life and faster charging times, contributing to a reduced environmental impact and a sustainable energy future.