Salt battery startup crowned with innovation award
Saltes is offering an efficient energy storage solution in industrial processes.
Published on June 26, 2025
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Saltes, a Dutch startup working on an innovative energy storage concept, received the Entrance Professional Award 2025 for its groundbreaking molten salt heat battery technology. This innovation enables the efficient storage and utilization of renewable energy in industrial processes, providing a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. The award, presented at the New Energy Forum 2025, includes €100,000, with €25,000 in cash and €75,000 in network support from the energy research company Entrance initiative based in Groningen.
Saltes' patented molten salt heat battery provides a novel solution to the pressing issue of energy storage in industrial applications. By utilizing molten salt, a medium known for its exceptional heat retention properties, Saltes enables the storage of renewable energy in the form of heat, which can be deployed efficiently in industrial processes later. This technology is especially pertinent in the context of decarbonizing industrial heat demands, which are traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. The molten salt battery developed by Saltes maintains safety through its non-corrosive and non-flammable nature, furthering its appeal as a practical alternative to conventional energy storage systems.
Award significance and industry impact
The award not only recognizes the innovative capabilities of Saltes' thermal battery technology but also underscores the critical role such innovations play in the broader energy transition, moving from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Jury Chair Ruud Koornstra emphasized how Saltes’ technology crucially contributes to industrial electrification, achieving a synergy between molecules and electrons to accelerate sustainability goals. The financial backing and network support provided by the Entrance network enables Saltes to expedite its plans to construct a 26 MWh ThermalPod, equating to the energy storage capacity of approximately 500 electric cars, thus marking a significant leap in renewable energy storage.
In addition to Saltes, other promising energy innovations were also recognized: Verdant Biogas won second prize (€10,000) with their compact biodigester, designed for small-scale farmers in developing countries. And BrewRight took home the third prize (€5,000) for their system for carbon capture at small breweries.
