Posted by Heidi Schwartz
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick joined other state and federal officials in a ceremonial ribbon cutting for Ambri, an electricity storage startup company, which has opened its first battery manufacturing facility. At the plant, located in Marlborough, MA, Ambri will demonstrate equipment and processes that will provide the foundation for global manufacturing of its low-cost electricity storage systems.
“Ambri’s expansion is an example of how a little bit of public investment can catalyze private sector growth and innovation,” said Gov. Patrick. “I thank Ambri for choosing to expand in Massachusetts and congratulate all of the dedicated people of Ambri who made this day happen.”
“Ambri was founded with the goal of creating a more efficient, more sustainable, and lower cost electricity system for the entire world. This manufacturing facility is a big step toward fulfilling our vision. Here, we will demonstrate that Ambri’s Liquid Metal Batteries can be produced at comparatively low capital cost, and make large-scale energy storage a practical reality,” said Phil Giudice, CEO of Ambri.
Ambri’s new factory will produce the company’s first prototype systems for deployment in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, Ambri plans to commission its first full-scale manufacturing facility, which will position the company for worldwide growth. The company will begin the search for a location for its full-scale manufacturing facility next year.
One of Ambri’s first prototype systems produced in Marlborough will be installed at the Joint Base Cape Cod, where it will enable the base to reduce electricity costs, improve power quality and grid resiliency, and integrate additional onsite renewable generation. That deployment will be funded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s InnovateMass Program.
“Massachusetts is home to over 5,000 leading clean energy companies like Ambri that are working each day to drive innovation and grow the Massachusetts clean energy sector, which now employs 80,000 workers,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with Ambri and look forward to seeing their first prototype deployment go forward right here in Massachusetts, a true home for innovation.”
