Long-term energy storage project to contribute to Xcel Energy’s vision of a carbon-neutral electricity future
Ambri’s Liquid Metal™ battery system has taken a major step on the road to commercialization, after the company signed its first agreement with a utility provider.
Xcel Energy and Ambri will jointly test the 300 kWh system at SolarTAC in Aurora, Colorado, for 12 months, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of its capabilities and performance. Installation of the system is expected to begin in early 2024, with the system fully operational later that year. The system will use SolarTAC’s GridNXT Microgrid platform to integrate multiple generation sources, such as solar and wind, along with inverters, load banks, three-phase distribution connections and communications.
“Xcel Energy is a forward-thinking and ambitious tool, and their enthusiasm for testing our system highlights the huge potential of Liquid Metal batteries,” said Adam Briggs, Chief Commercial Officer, Ambri. “Xcel Energy clearly understands the significant value that can be achieved by integrating innovative storage technologies into its renewable product portfolio.”
This collaboration marks Ambri’s first field-deployed experimental facility system, showcasing innovative Liquid Metal™ batteries in a real-world environment. It also represents the initial evaluation and validation of these batteries by a major US company. Throughout the demonstration period, Xcel Energy and Ambri will test various use cases, including solar and wind integration, capacity management, arbitrage, and ancillary services, among others.
“Xcel Energy has always been at the forefront of utilities in the transition to carbon-neutral electricity,” said Justin Tomljanovic, Vice President of Corporate Development for Xcel Energy. “This demonstration project with Ambri allows us to explore technology that can help us continue to deliver the energy our customers depend on throughout the clean energy transition.”
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 by 2050. The company’s goal for carbon-free electricity is part of its vision to become a comprehensive provider of clean energy to its customers, providing them with electricity, heating and transportation.
Xcel Energy plans to develop a follow-up Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for larger-capacity long-term energy storage projects to follow up on SolarTAC’s upcoming 300kWh system.
About ambre
Ambri’s Liquid Metal™ battery technology is solving the world’s biggest energy problems – fundamentally changing the way power grids work by increasing the contribution of renewable resources and reducing the need to build conventional power plants. Ambri’s long-term energy storage solution is built for everyday riding – even in harsh, harsh environments. With a lifespan of over 20 years with minimal fading, Ambri systems are not only highly reliable but also safe, as Ambri systems produce or emit no gases and there is no possibility of thermal runaway. For more information, visit www.ambri.com.
About Excel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL) provides energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight states in the West and Midwest. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com.