Wisconsin Battery Co. (WBCO) has taken a bold step by acquiring the former Energizer manufacturing facility in Portage. The company aims to create batteries using sodium ions and hemp-derived carbon.
Sodium and Hemp: A New Battery Era
The Environmental Concerns of Lithium
For years, lithium has been central to battery technology. However, its mining impacts the environment negatively, with issues ranging from emissions to potential heavy metal contamination.
Why Choose Hemp and Sodium?
Sodium is abundant and cost-effective as a battery component. Combined with hemp carbon, it offers a more sustainable solution. Wisconsin Battery Co. has partnered with Deyang Qu from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to harness this potential.
Implications for Wisconsin’s Energy Landscape
The introduction of hemp batteries could integrate seamlessly with Wisconsin’s clean energy initiatives that currently rely on lithium-ion storage. Wisconsin Battery Co. plans to establish a hemp battery production line in the existing Portage facility.
Reviving Local Economy and Workforce
With Energizer’s departure and its associated workforce reductions, Wisconsin Battery Co. sees an opportunity. The company aims to rehire laid-off workers and contribute to the local economy.
Global Aspirations with Hemp Technology
Wisconsin Battery Co. is not limiting its ambitions to Wisconsin. With an investment from Infinite Power Systems, it plans to explore opportunities across Africa, potentially opening new facilities.
Prototypes and Future Developments
Currently, Wisconsin Battery Co. is developing prototypes for various applications, starting with hearing aid batteries. Moreover, the company is exploring uses for recycled lithium and hemp batteries.
Overall, Wisconsin Battery Co. is poised to challenge and potentially transform the battery industry with its innovative approach using hemp technology.
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