Chemours is partnering with UniEnergy Technology L.L.C., a battery manufacturer headquartered in Mukilteo, Washington.

UET's "redox flow battery" is based on a new patented electrolyte developed at Pacific Northwest National Labs under the support of the U.S. Department of Energy's OE Energy Storage Program.

Chemours is investing in the partnership to overcome what many consider the greatest barrier to renewable energy: battery capacity. The company believes flow batteries will open the door to longer-lasting, more scalable sustainable technology.

"Chemours is establishing itself as a new kind of chemistry company, and I believe this partnership is another example," said Mark Vergnano, CEO of Chemours. "The partnership aligns well with our recently announced Corporate Responsibility Commitments by not only enabling the competitiveness and proliferation of renewable energy but doing so with Chemours unique membrane technology that works together with a fully recyclable electrolyte," he added.

This strategic partnership will consist of an investment in UET as well as a long-term and exclusive supply agreement for Nafion ion exchange membranes. The strategic partnership with UET will enable Chemours to further develop and optimize the Nafion product offering as the industry standard for applications in energy storage.

The energy market is a key growth area for Chemours Fluoroproducts business. As smart grids develop and energy storage needs increase, the use of fluoropolymers in renewable energy generation and storage applications is expected to grow approximately 20 percent annually over the next ten years.

"A major component of our growth strategy is shifting from a product orientation to a more market orientation," said Paul Kirsch, president of Chemours Fluoroproducts business. "We believe this strategic partnership allows us to be at the forefront of this new energy storage technology and provides us greater insight into the needs of this emerging market from the end user perspective."