Massachusetts state and federal officials participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting for Ambri, an electricity storage startup company, which opened its first battery manufacturing facility in November. At the plant, located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Ambri will demonstrate the next-generation equipment and processes that will provide the foundation for global manufacturing of its low-cost electricity storage systems.
“Ambri was founded with the goal of creating a more efficient, more sustainable and lower cost electricity system for the entire world, said Phil Giudice, CEO of Ambri. “This manufacturing facility is a big step toward fulfilling our vision. Here, we will demonstrate that Ambri’s Liquid Metal Batteries can be produced at comparatively low capital cost, and make large-scale energy storage a practical reality.”
Ambri’s new factory will produce the company’s first prototype systems for deployment in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, Ambri plans to commission its first full-scale manufacturing facility, which will position the company for worldwide growth. The company will begin the search for a location for its full-scale manufacturing facility next year.
One of Ambri’s first prototype systems produced in Marlborough will be installed at the Joint Base Cape Cod, where it will enable the base to reduce electricity costs, improve power quality and grid resiliency, and integrate additional onsite renewable generation. That deployment will be funded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s InnovateMass Program.
Ambri also announced plans to deploy another prototype energy storage system in Hawaii next year. That system will be deployed in partnership with Boston-based renewable energy developer First Wind, with funding from the Hawaii Energy Excelerator, which is sponsored jointly by the Department of Energy and the Office of Naval Research.
“Consumers in Hawaii are plagued by high electricity prices because their generation system is based primarily on diesel fuel. Wind and solar resources paired with energy storage can completely replace the diesel infrastructure, resulting in lower electricity prices and a more reliable electricity grid,” said Phil Giudice. “We are excited to work with First Wind and the Hawaii Energy Excelerator team to make this happen.”
“Ambri’s energy storage technology will help Hawaii integrate more renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, on island grids. As Hawaii transitions from an oil-based electricity system to one fueled by 70 percent clean energy, the Energy Excelerator is committed to funding the world’s best innovation needed to get us there,” said Dawn Lippert, Founder and Senior Manager of the Hawaii Energy Excelerator.
