Urban Electric Power (UEP), a New York-based energy technology company founded in 2014 as a spin-out venture from the City University of New York Energy Institute, is pioneering advancements in battery storage through its innovative zinc manganese dioxide (ZnMnO₂) battery systems. The company focuses on repurposing the proven, stable chemistry of traditional alkaline batteries (common in household AA batteries) into a high-performance, rechargeable format.
UEPs offerings cover a wide range of energy storage needs, from residential backup power systems to utility-scale grid applications. Their modular product portfolio includes the Ohm Pod, designed for outdoor energy storage, and the Ohm Commercial Rack, a scalable indoor solution for businesses and industries. The company further collaborates with partners like Alchemy Industrial to launch solutions such as the Ohm Core residential energy storage system, expanding access to reliable and eco-friendly energy alternatives.
Battery Technology
Urban Electric Power’s core innovation lies in revamping alkaline battery chemistry into a rechargeable system using zinc and manganese dioxide—materials abundant, low-cost, and free of hazardous metals. The company’s patented doping process introduces elements like copper and bismuth to the anode, enabling reversible chemical reactions without compromising structural integrity. This adjustment allows the batteries to achieve up to 5,000+ cycles over 10 years, surpassing lithium-ion and lead-acid alternatives in longevity while maintaining safety and recyclability.
Manufactured in Pearl River, New York, UEP prioritizes localized supply chains, leveraging existing alkaline battery manufacturing infrastructure to ensure cost-effective, domestic production.
Recent Projects
In the past year, Urban Electric Power has advanced several key projects to validate its technology. A standout collaboration involved installing a 1,000 kWh backup system at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, replacing outdated lead-acid batteries and enhancing grid reliability. The project demonstrated the resilience and efficiency of UEP’s systems in critical infrastructure.
UEP also partnered with Alchemy Industrial in late 2024 to launch the Ohm Core, a residential energy storage system designed to pair with solar panels for home backup and demand cost optimization. This product targets homeowners seeking an affordable, long-lasting alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
Other notable initiatives include collaborations with Amazon Web Services to explore edge computing and energy storage integration and a partnership with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to pilot microgrid systems in rural communities. These projects highlight UEP’s focus on scalability and real-world applicability.
Investors
Urban Electric Power has secured strategic funding from both public and private entities. In late 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded the company grants totaling $2 million under the Long-Duration Energy Storage Demonstration Initiative. Additional support comes from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which provided grants to advance utility-scale storage projects.
Private investments from Baruch Future Ventures, a venture arm of the CUNY network, and the AWS Clean Energy Accelerator further bolster UEP’s R&D and manufacturing capacity. Collective funding has enabled the company to scale production and refine its battery platform, positioning it to meet growing demand across industries.
Business Details
Location: Pearl River, New York, USA
Website: https://urbanelectricpower.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3068206
