In January, a significant fire at one of the largest lithium-ion battery storage facilities in the world in Moss Landing, California, led to the evacuation of over 1,000 residents. The incident raised alarms when toxic metals, including nickel, cobalt, and manganese, were found in unusually high concentrations at the nearby Elkhorn Slough. Following the event, local residents filed lawsuits against several companies involved, claiming negligence and highlighting the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which authorities acknowledge can pose threats such as fires and explosions.
In response to these safety concerns, **Anthro Energy**, a company based in Alameda, California, has announced the launch of its new headquarters and the introduction of its innovative solid-state battery technology. CEO **David Mackanic** emphasized that their new battery design aims to revolutionize various industries, including portable devices and electric vehicles, by enhancing safety and performance.
Unlike traditional batteries that utilize a liquid lithium-ion core susceptible to leaks, Anthro Energy’s solid-state batteries employ a patented technology that solidifies the core. This advancement results in a non-flammable, semi-solid battery with **35% more energy density** than conventional batteries and improved resistance to leaks and combustion. A review from the **University of California, Riverside**, supports these claims, asserting that solid-state batteries are inherently safer.
Anthro Energy joins a growing number of technology firms in the Bay Area, a region that has become a hub for battery research and development. The company’s **31,000-square-foot** facility is projected to produce up to **500,000** battery cells annually, attracting significant interest from venture capital investors keen to support its mission.
At the grand opening of the new facility, Mackanic stated, “What we’re doing is building advanced technology that redefines what’s possible for lithium-ion batteries.” He noted the importance of developing a scalable platform capable of meeting the increasing demand for electrification across various sectors.
The challenge of producing solid-state batteries at an industrial scale has persisted since their conception in the 1970s, primarily due to higher production costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Despite these hurdles, the rising demand for battery-dependent technologies, such as portable electronics and renewable energy storage, has intensified efforts to create safer and more efficient battery solutions.
**Joe Papp**, Chief Technology Officer at Anthro Energy, explained that the company has redefined the manufacturing process to align with existing infrastructures, which has enabled them to overcome challenges that have hindered others in the field. He remarked, “We saw that they had been struggling at this for 10-plus years and couldn’t get the manufacturing right.”
With financial backing of **$43 million** from federal awards related to the **Inflation Reduction Act** and an additional **$5 million** from the **California Energy Commission**, Anthro is well-positioned to expand its operations. During the grand opening, **Congresswoman Lateefah Simon** highlighted the innovative spirit of the company, stating, “Anthro is going to power Alameda. We want to be able to breathe clean air and empower the next generation of folks who understand that innovation doesn’t have to be an attack on our environment.”
Four years ago, Mackanic and Papp faced significant challenges in developing their electrolyte technology, producing only **10 grams** of the **Proteus electrolyte** in a small lab. Now, their new facility is set to increase production capacity by a factor of **1,000**, allowing for the annual production of hundreds of thousands of battery cells.
Mackanic underscored the broader implications of their technology, noting, “Batteries are changing the way we collect data, communicate, and power our electrical grid. Building better batteries to accelerate this transition is one of the defining challenges of our time.” He asserted that their facility marks a significant milestone in the capability to manufacture next-generation battery technology on U.S. soil, aiming to deliver solutions that could power millions of devices across various industries.
