Press Release
GE Transportation
GE Introduces Durathon™ Battery for Utilities
New Orleans, Louisiana (April 20, 2010) – GE Energy Storage Technologies, a unit of GE
Transportation unveiled today its Durathon battery technology for utility companies.
As power consumption continues to grow, infrastructure ages, and new elements evolve
such as renewables and electric vehicles, the grid is being asked to perform as never
before. GE’s Durathon battery technology offers an intelligent way to approach these
issues. As part of a simple energy storage system, GE’s Durathon battery provides an
alternative to costly new power structures, which enables energy to be utilized when it’s
needed.
“Utility companies are facing unprecedented challenges and we’re working with them to
create a better energy system, one that can bring energy to customers where it’s needed,
when it’s needed, efficiently and for the best price,” said Prescott Logan General Manager
GE Energy Storage Technologies. “GE’s Durathon battery technology has been developed
to change the future of power generation, transmission and distribution for end users
around the globe.”
Because of its proprietary chemistry, the Durathon battery has the ability to last up to two
decades while providing optimal charge and discharge times. Durathon batteries are well
suited for applications in extreme temperature environments because the need for an
expensive controlled environment is not required to deliver peak performance. This
minimizes installation costs along with the batteries high energy density.
The Durathon battery technology has been developed to support a broad range of utilityoriented applications, such as: transmission and distribution upgrade deferral, time
shifting, congestion relief, peak shaving, load following, and reserve capacity. Additionally,
it will support end-user applications such as time of use (TOU) management, demand
charge reduction, and power quality improvement.
GE’s new battery plant will be located in Schenectady, New York, and is expected to create
350 new jobs in the region. The facility has the advantage of being in close proximity to GE
Global Research in Niskayuna, where researchers will continue to work on enhancements
to the battery chemistry and related systems technology. GE is making a $150 million
investment to build upon the Durathon battery technology through the development of
new materials, new manufacturing technologies and intelligent controls.
To learn more about GE’s new Durathon battery go to www.geenergystorage.com or
follow on Twitter @GEDurathon.
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About GE Transportation
Established more than 100 years ago, GE Transportation, a unit of General Electric
Company (NYSE: GE), is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, marine,
drilling, and mining and wind industries. GE Transportation provides freight and passenger
locomotives, signaling and communications systems, information technology solutions,
marine engines, motorized drive systems for mining trucks and drills, high-quality
replacement parts and value added services. GE Transportation is headquartered in Erie,
Pennsylvania, USA, and employs approximately 8,000 employees worldwide. For more
information visit www.geenergystorage.com. GE Energy Storage Technologies operates as
GEMx Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Electric Company.
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GE Transportation Media Contact:
Chris Banocy
Tel: +1.814.875.2099 (office)
Tel: +1.814.431. 9519 (cell)
chris.banocy@ge.com
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