Ambri, a company specializing in Liquid Metal™ battery systems, has achieved a significant milestone towards commercialization. The company has recently signed its first agreement with a utility provider, Xcel Energy. Under this agreement, Xcel Energy and Ambri will collaborate to test a 300kWh Liquid Metal battery system at SolarTAC in Aurora, Colorado, for a duration of 12 months. This partnership will allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the system’s capabilities and performance.
The installation of the 300kWh system is expected to commence in early 2024, with full operational functionality anticipated later in the same year. The purpose of this project is to assess the integration of multiple generation sources, such as solar and wind, using Ambri’s Liquid Metal batteries in conjunction with the GridNXT Microgrid Platform at SolarTAC. The project will also evaluate the integration of inverters, load banks, and 3-phase distribution connections and communications.
Adam Briggs, Chief Commercial Officer at Ambri, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Xcel Energy, emphasizing the utility provider’s forward-thinking approach. Briggs highlighted the immense potential of Liquid Metal batteries and praised Xcel Energy for recognizing the significant value that innovative storage technologies can bring to their renewable portfolio.
This partnership marks the first field-deployed utility pilot system for Ambri, enabling the real-world application of their Liquid Metal batteries. It also signifies the initial evaluation and demonstration of these batteries by a major utility company in the United States. Throughout the 12-month testing period, Xcel Energy and Ambri will explore various use cases, including the integration of solar and wind power, capacity management, arbitrage, and ancillary services.
Xcel Energy has consistently been a leader among utilities in the transition towards carbon-free electricity. In 2018, the company became the first utility in the industry to set a long-term goal of providing its customers with zero-carbon electricity by 2050. This commitment aligns with Xcel Energy’s vision of becoming a comprehensive clean energy provider, offering zero or net-zero electricity, heating, and transportation to its customers.
Justin Tomljanovic, Vice President of Corporate Development at Xcel Energy, expressed the utility provider’s excitement about the Demonstration project with Ambri. Tomljanovic emphasized that this collaboration allows Xcel Energy to explore a technology that can help sustain the reliable supply of energy throughout the clean energy transition. By partnering with Ambri and testing the Liquid Metal battery system, Xcel Energy aims to support its customers’ energy needs while adhering to its carbon-free electricity goal.
Looking ahead, Xcel Energy plans to develop a follow-on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for larger-capacity, long-duration energy storage projects. This initiative will build upon the success of the upcoming 300kWh system at SolarTAC. Xcel Energy’s commitment to clean energy and their continued collaboration with Ambri exemplify their dedication to providing reliable and sustainable electricity to their customers.
Overall, the agreement between Ambri and Xcel Energy represents a significant step towards the commercialization of Liquid Metal battery systems. Through this partnership, Ambri has the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of their innovative energy storage solution in a real-world setting, while Xcel Energy further solidifies its position as a leader in the transition to carbon-free electricity.
