OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — A new type of battery is in the works in Oak Ridge. BioLargo Energy Technologies is working to create a battery that could replace the lithium-ion battery. It said the batteries struggle in high heat, often catching fire or not working once they get too hot, but a molten, salt-based battery thrives in heat.
"There have been a number of fires related to lithium-ion batteries in New York, as a result of lithium-ion batteries in E-Bikes. This cell won't have that problem," said Randall Moore, President and CEO of BioLargo.
The molten salt in the batteries needs to be heated up in order to work, but he said there are no safety concerns because the salt won't catch fire. This makes them safer to use for home power supply and solar energy.
"I think the main goal is to provide a cell that people don't have to worry about having in their homes and their factories, that's not going to be a safety concern. That's the biggest issue is trying to find a better way to meet an immediate need." Moore said.
The company is expanding its energy program to different countries across the world.
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the company will celebrate its partnership with a Norwegian-based energy company with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. at the BioLargo facility in Oak Ridge.