Southern Company Invests in Johnson Energy Storage

Rhea-AI Summary

Southern Company has made an early-stage investment in Johnson Energy Storage (JES), a company specializing in solid-state battery technology. JES, founded by Dr. Lonnie Johnson, aims to develop batteries that are safer and less expensive than current Lithium-ion batteries.

Southern Company's investment underscores its commitment to clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions. JES's solid-state batteries could revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) by offering faster charging times and longer ranges, important factors in enhancing EV adoption.

Southern Company's support is a strategic move to foster innovative energy technologies and support local entrepreneurship, reflecting its vision for a sustainable energy future.

Positive

• Investment in Johnson Energy Storage (JES) aligns with Southern Company's mission to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.
• JES's solid-state battery technology could offer significant advancements for electric vehicles, including faster charging times and longer ranges.
• Southern Company's investment supports local entrepreneurship, particularly highlighting the work of Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a former NASA engineer.
• Solid-state batteries developed by JES are safer and potentially less expensive to manufacture compared to current Lithium-ion batteries.
• The investment strengthens Southern Company's position in the innovative energy solutions market.

Negative

• No immediate financial return details provided from the investment in Johnson Energy Storage.
• The commercial viability of JES's solid-state battery technology is still unproven.
• Potential risks involved with early-stage investments in unproven technologies.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 28, 2024 / Southern Company

Southern Company, through a subsidiary, has made an early-stage investment in Johnson Energy Storage (JES). This investment reflects Southern Company's long-standing commitment to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions to customers, as well as its commitment to supporting and advancing local entrepreneurship within the communities it serves.

JES is an Atlanta-based company founded by entrepreneur and former NASA engineer Dr. Lonnie Johnson. JES has been focused on the development of solid-state battery technology for more than 20 years.

Solid-state battery innovators like JES are developing new ways of assembling batteries, eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes with a view to enhancing the safety of traditional Lithium-ion batteries.

Specifically, JES has developed a solid glass electrolyte and glass separator that JES claims will be less expensive than other solid-state approaches.

Solid state batteries are considered by many to have several advantages over existing Lithium-ion batteries that are currently utilized in a wide array of devices and systems, most notably electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage solutions.

The potential advantages of solid-state batteries for EVs include a faster charging time that doesn't degrade the battery at the same rate as what is typically seen with Lithium-ion batteries, and significantly greater range. The commercial viability of solid-state batteries is often thought to be a potential game-changer in advancing EV adoption. JES is endeavoring to develop a solid-state battery that is both safer and less expensive to manufacture than others currently in development.

"We are most appreciative of Southern Company's recent investment and support for our ongoing work," said Dr. Lonnie Johnson, founder and chairman of the board of directors for Johnson Energy Storage. "We are excited about the potential for our battery innovations to scale with electric vehicles and other energy applications. We believe the successful refinement and scaling of our technology has the potential to significantly impact the energy ecosystem."

"Southern Company's investment in Johnson Energy Storage highlights our commitment to fostering innovative energy solutions and supporting clean energy technologies within our communities," said Robin Lanier, director of New Ventures for Southern Company. "This investment is just one more way in which Southern Company is building the future of energy."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Southern Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Southern Company

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Southern Company's investment in Johnson Energy Storage?

Southern Company's investment in Johnson Energy Storage underscores its commitment to innovative, clean, and reliable energy solutions.

How could Johnson Energy Storage's solid-state batteries impact electric vehicles?

Johnson Energy Storage's solid-state batteries could offer faster charging times and longer ranges, which are important for enhancing electric vehicle adoption.

Who founded Johnson Energy Storage?

Johnson Energy Storage was founded by Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a former NASA engineer.

What are the potential advantages of solid-state batteries compared to Lithium-ion batteries?

Solid-state batteries are considered safer, potentially less expensive to manufacture, and offer faster charging times and longer ranges than Lithium-ion batteries.

What does Southern Company's investment in JES indicate about its future plans?

Southern Company's investment in JES indicates its strategic focus on fostering innovative energy technologies and supporting local entrepreneurship to build a sustainable energy future.