Exergonix, Inc.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy storage, Renewable energy |
| Predecessor | Kokam America, Inc. |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Lee’s Summit, Missouri , United States |
Area served | Global |
Key people | Don Nissanka (CEO) |
| Products | Grid energy storage solutions for peak load reduction, demand response, smart grid integration, renewable energy storage applications |
| Website | www |
Exergonix Inc is an energy storage firm based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, specializing in solutions for grid energy storage tailored to peak load reduction, demand response, and smart grid integration. Established in 2010 as a spin-off from Kokam America, Inc.—which was purchased by Dow Chemical Company in 2009—Exergonix concentrates on renewable energy storage applications across solar, wind, utility management, military, telecom cell towers, and emergency power backup systems.
History
Exergonix’s mission is to drive down the costs of renewable energy by facilitating intelligent, decentralized utility grids on a global scale. The company operates from an 83-acre site located at the intersection of Missouri Route 291 and U.S. Route 50, a property formerly owned by Pfizer and valued at $90 million. Initial capital included $2 million from local angel investors alongside $1.4 million contributed by the City of Lee’s Summit. Further financing incorporated $8 million in federal defense funds secured through the support of Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent, aimed at establishing a manufacturing facility within Missouri.
Originally, the company envisioned a $100 million "Green Energy Park," but this plan was reduced to $50 million after anticipated federal funding did not materialize. Additionally, the CEO pursued $650 million in state incentives to support expanded manufacturing operations in the region.
Funding
Under CEO Don Nissanka’s leadership, Exergonix obtained $2 million from the U.S. Department of Defense—facilitated by Senator Kit Bond—to develop a 1-megawatt utility-scale storage system at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. This initiative showcased advanced battery technology characterized by longer cycle life, reduced weight, broader temperature tolerance, and maintenance-free operation. The system targets aerospace and defense sectors including weapon systems and aircraft platforms. Nissanka stressed that this funding was awarded based on technological merit rather than lobbying influence, underscoring his strategic direction in pioneering cutting-edge energy solutions.
Energy storage projects
In 2010, Exergonix collaborated with Siemens, the Electric Power Research Institute, and other key partners within Kansas City’s Green Impact Zone to pilot SmartGrid technologies. Supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Kansas City Power and Light, this project sought to enhance energy efficiency, lower operational costs, improve grid reliability, and reduce environmental impact—aligning closely with Exergonix’s strategic focus on energy innovation.
During a visit highlighting clean technology job growth, President Barack Obama recognized efforts involving Smith Electric Vehicles, where Kokam America (with Nissanka serving on its board) supplied battery systems. Furthermore, Nissanka contributed to Missouri’s Automotive Jobs Task Force—an 18-member panel appointed by Governor Jay Nixon in 2009—reflecting his influence as a regional industry leader.
Nissanka also established the Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) at the University of Central Missouri, an initiative backed by federal funding aimed at stimulating economic recovery and workforce development. He advocated for government investment as essential for business expansion during economic downturns.
Exergonix shares a vision similar to Tesla’s in revolutionizing residential power usage through advanced battery storage technologies. In May 2016, the company broadened its market footprint by acquiring Coda Energy, thereby enhancing its suite of energy storage products and services.
See also
External links
- Official Website
- Exergonix Inc profile on Bloomberg Businessweek
- Overview of Exergonix lobbying efforts at OpenSecrets
- Political contribution records
- CEO statement before the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Competitiveness
- Exergonix technology and investment presentation at Infocast’s 3rd Annual Storage Week
- SmartGrid summary regarding Kansas City at SmartGrid.org