US utility Xcel Energy is to demonstrate Ambri’s liquid metal battery technology at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center (SolarTAC) in Colorado.
It is hoped that Ambri’s long-term energy storage system will support Xcel Energy’s renewable energy and economic development goals in the future, including carbon reduction targets.
The year-long energy storage project will be installed at SolarTAC, where advanced solar and distribution grid technologies have been tested 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 organisation.
The site also supports microgrid capabilities at the edge or end of the electric distribution system.
Ambri chief commercial officer Adam Briggs said: “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.”
Xcel Energy is looking to Ambri’s Liquid Metal battery technology to help achieve its clean energy goals as the company installs more renewable energy and retires coal plants.
Its energy plans are expected to reduce carbon emissions at least 80% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and achieve a net-zero energy future by 2050 while delivering reliable, affordable energy service.
Xcel Energy chief planning officer Alice Jackson said: “We are pleased to work with Ambri as we continue bringing our customers the clean, affordable energy they depend on.
“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.”