Ambri's liquid metal battery steps closer to commercial deployment

US-based long duration energy storage provider, Ambri signed its first agreement with utility-provider Xcel Energy – taking a step closer to the commercial deployment of its liquid metal battery technology.

According to the agreement, Ambri and Xcel Energy will jointly test the 300kWh system at SolarTAC in Aurora, Colorado, for a period of 12 months, undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of its capabilities and performance.

"Xcel Energy is a forward-thinking and ambitious utility, and their enthusiasm for testing our system highlights the huge potential for Liquid Metal batteries," said Adam Briggs, CEO at Ambri.

"Xcel Energy clearly understands the significant value that can be achieved by integrating innovative storage technologies into their renewable portfolio."

The collaboration marks the first field-deployed utility pilot system for Ambri showcasing its novel Liquid Metal batteries. The installation of the system will begin early 2024 and the system will be fully operational later that year.

During 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 among utilities in the transition to carbon-free electricity," said Justin Tomljanovic, VP, Corporate Development at Xcel Energy.

"This demonstration project with Ambri allows us to explore a technology that could help us continue to reliably supply the energy our customers depend on throughout the clean energy transition."

The pilot system will utilize GridNXT Microgrid Platform at SolarTAC to integrate multiple generation sources, such as solar and wind, along with inverters, load banks, and 3-phase distribution connections and communications.

Xcel Energy plans to develop a follow-up on the memorandum of understanding for larger-capacity long-duration energy storage projects to follow the upcoming 300kWh system at SolarTAC.

The pilot marks the first initial evaluation and demonstration of the molten salt batteries by a major US utility.