Durathon - Stellar Startup for GE

In my last blog post, titled Eclipsing Experience, I discussed the various opportunities that IMLP provides its members.  One of the most notable benefits of this program has been waiving the requirement for "x years of professional experience" before you become a viable candidate.

And much like how GE is taking a chance on us, the new employees - the business is also putting substantial bets on renewable energy.  In fact, in my last rotation, I had the opportunity to participate in a GE start-up business focused on changing the way most people think about an industrial battery.

Now, you have to realize that GE is not necessarily known for spinning up new businesses.  In most cases, we acquire businesses that have firm foundations both from a product and customer perspective.  With this in mind, I have just finished a rotation that very few people will ever have the chance to replicate from within the walls of GE.

So, what is this business? 

Well, it's called GE Energy Storage (GEES) and it is the latest addition to the GE Transportation family.  This expansion is located in Schenectady, NY and we are expecting this arm to grow immensely over the next few years.  At first blush, the facility may appear dated and incomplete, but rest assured, the work is underway and the plans for this future epicenter of battery manufacturing are gargantuan.  

Undertaking this logistical feat of marrying a new facility, a new product, and a new customer base to the tried and true process and quality oriented GE attributes are a mix of seasoned veterans and some newbies (including myself).  However, what the entire team has in common is that they were all hand-picked and account for some of the best minds in our business.  In addition, they all seem to have a unified view on success—it's the only option.

If you head over to the GEES website, you will find what makes GE's Sodium metal halide (NaMx) battery unique.  In a world that primarily uses Lead-Acid and Lithium batteries, a new industrial alternative will soon be available under the moniker Durathon.  The primary benefits of this battery include: 

• The ability to perform in any climate (extreme heat and cold)
• Being dimensionally smaller, yet having a higher energy density than alternatives
• Having a life cycle of up to 20 years
• Being designed to optimally store and release energy reliably
• Focusing on green technologies that contain no toxic chemicals and is fully recyclable
• Ability to monitor batteries remotely, and rarely requiring any maintenance

This battery is going to make waves in the Telecommunications and UPS battery backup markets!  Keep your eyes peeled for more news on the Durathon.  What other GE technologies are you excited about?