Ambri supplying Liquid Metal battery technology to Xcel Energy

Ambri’s long-duration energy storage solution features Liquid Metal battery technology. It is built for daily cycling, even in extreme, harsh environments. (Photo: Ambri)

Long-duration energy storage provider Ambri announced it will support Xcel Energy’s renewable energy and economic development goals with its Liquid Metal battery technology. The technology will be used by Xcel Energy at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) in Aurora, Colo.

Advanced solar and distribution grid technologies have been tested at SolarTAC in a real-world, grid-connected environment since 2011. Xcel Energy is a founding member of SolarTAC, which is managed and operated by MRIGlobal, a non-profit contract research organization. The site also supports microgrid capabilities at the edge or end of the electric distribution system.

In 2018, Xcel Energy became the first utility in the industry to set a long-term goal of providing its customers with zero carbon electricity – part of its vision to provide users with zero or net-zero electricity, heating and transportation by 2050. Its energy plans are expected to reduce carbon emissions by at least 80% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and achieve a net-zero energy future by 2050.

Xcel Energy is looking to the year-long energy storage project with Ambri to help it achieve its clean energy goals as it moves to install more renewable energy and retire coal plants. Ambri’s long-duration energy storage solution is built for daily cycling, even in extreme, harsh environments, the company stated, with a lifespan of 20+ years with minimal fade.

“We are pleased to work with Ambri as we continue bringing our customers the clean, affordable energy they depend on,” said Alice Jackson, senior vice president, System Strategy, and chief planning officer, Xcel Energy. “We look forward to learning what their technology can accomplish in a range of extreme environmental conditions as we look to build out the long-duration energy storage that will help us reach our carbon reduction goals.”

Adam Briggs, chief commercial officer at Ambri, added, “We are honored to be selected by Xcel Energy as they continue to drive towards a carbon-free future. Partnering with a progressive and innovative utility such as Xcel Energy is an exciting opportunity for Ambri as their clean energy vision is directly aligned with our mission to leave the planet a better place for future generations.”