In the sustainable age, how can batteries be safer? A company opening its HQ in Alameda says it has the answer.

"In Monterey County's Moss Landing, more than 1,000 people were forced to evacuate in January when one of the largest storage facilities for lithium-ion batteries in the world caught fire. Days later, the toxic metals nickel, cobalt and manganese were found at nearby Elkhorn Slough in unusually high concentrations. One county supervisor called it a wake-up call for battery safety in the ongoing push for sustainable energy."

"Though the federal government deems lithium-ion batteries generally safe, law enforcement agencies periodically remind the public of their risks, such as fires and explosions. But one company opening its new headquarters in Alameda says they have created the next generation of batteries that are safer and will revolutionize industries from portable devices to electric vehicles. While most batteries use a liquid lithium-ion core that can leak and combust."

"The result is a non-flammable, semi-solid battery with 35% more energy density than traditional batteries, and is resistant to leaking, warping and combustion, Anthro Energy claims. According to a review from the University of California, Riverside, solid-state batteries are safer than their traditional counterparts. Anthro opened its new headquarters in Alameda last week. It's the latest technology company to set up shop on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, which is gaining a reputation for fostering innovation."

A major lithium-ion battery storage fire in Moss Landing caused mass evacuations and led to elevated nickel, cobalt and manganese levels in nearby waters. Lawsuits allege negligence and thermal instability of stored batteries. Federal authorities consider lithium-ion batteries generally safe but caution about fire and explosion risks. Anthro Energy claims its patented solid-state technology creates a semi-solid, non-flammable battery with 35% more energy density that resists leaking, warping and combustion. A University of California, Riverside review characterizes solid-state batteries as safer. Anthro opened a 31,000-square-foot Alameda facility expected to produce half a million cells annually and attract investors.

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