United States
A North Carolina manufacturing plant formerly owned by Philip Morris has been purchased by Alevo Manufacturing to make 40-foot-long containers that hold thousands of lithium ion battery cells.
The batteries, called GridBanks, store extra electricity and release it when other energy sources cannot meet demand. For example, utility companies can combine the batteries with wind and solar power – storing energy generated during the day, for use at night.
The batteries also enable utilities to integrate renewable electricity with traditional power sources and reduce wasted energy, making the grid more reliable and efficient. That could lower energy costs and pollution.