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core developmental site, which employs nearly 50 people.
“The team that was built here in Mon- tana is a very good team. We’re going to continue to strengthen and enhance what we have here in Montana and grow as a two-site company,” he said.
Van Dell said the company has already signed contracts for early adopters in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, and each customer will be using the bat- teries for unique applications, includ- ing utility storage and delivering power to commercial and industrial sites and remote microgrids.
“We’ve got lots of different organiza- tions banking millions of dollars on us,” Van Dell said.
A total of $30 million has already been invested into the company’s develop- ment, he said.
Zinc Air was founded in 2009 near Glacier Park International Airport by a team of scientists and engineers who sought to solve an age-old problem: the long-term storage of energy on a mass scale. As technology has rapidly evolved over the last decade, so have the possibil- ities for a solution. As progress occurred, two years ago Zinc split into two separate companies, ViZn Energy Storage and Zaf Energy Systems. The two local compa- nies were built on the core technology from Zinc Air and comprised of core members from the original team. The team at ViZn is focusing on large-scale batteries and Zaf has turned its attention to smaller-scale storage systems.
Zaf executives are in the process of
unveiling their own unique sustainable battery systems for electric aircraft that could double the travel distance of planes compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Both companies are gathering steam at an ideal time. The energy market is undergoing a significant transforma- tion as attention shifts to the renewable and clean energy market. Over half of all new electricity generated in the U.S in the first quarter came from solar, and more solar panels were installed on U.S. home rooftops in recent months than ever before. Analysts have said this growing trend could represent a new era of energy consumption.
That bodes well for ViZn. Its batteries, which are stored inside massive contain- ers that look like rail cars, are designed to last for 20 years. One unit could power 40 homes for several hours, according to John Lowell, COO and VP of product development at ViZn.
Lowell and his team have fixed imper- fections in the batteries, primarily reli- ability and consistency.
“One year ago I could build them but they would behave erratically. Some would behave very well. Some would behave very poorly. I couldn’t under- stand why,” he said. “Now we do and they hit 110 percent of spec capacity, every one of them. Everything is 110 per- cent of spec and consistent. It’s exceeding specifications.”
Van Dell added, “This is a design that is ready to go into production.”
[email protected]
TRANSACTIONS
WEEKLY BUSINESS BRIEFING
WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT APPROVED FOR SUMMIT PROJECTS
Whitefish Mountain Resort received approval from the Flathead National Forest to begin its $1.2 million improve- ment project at the Summit of Big Mountain. The project includes a major renovation of the Summit House, a new ski patrol headquarters building and the drilling of a redundant well.
The Summit House remodel
includes adding a mezzanine
level with 1,700 square feet and approximately 150 seats and new win- dows providing northwestern views. Additionally all of the building’s windows will be replaced as well as an entire exterior remodel with new siding, stonework, trim and lighting. Restrooms will be added to the main floor as well as an expansion of the main entry.
A new two-story 800-square-foot Ski Patrol Headquarters building will also be constructed, replacing the former 175-square foot cabin. It will add plumbing, a patient treatment area, and a private office for the ski patrol manager.
Opening, moving or expanding a business in Northwest Montana? If you would like to be featured in “Transactions,” please email information to [email protected]
Make the Drive
Special pre-season pricing on room rates starting at just $99 Sunday thru Thursdays Only, rates valid on stays now thru June 18, 2015. Subject to availability, restrictions apply.
Summer Concert series featuring Halladay Quist
ESSEX, MONTANA
406.888.5700
IZAAKWALTONINN.COM
Live every Tuesday Night
in the
Flagstop Whiskey Bar at Izaak Walton Inn from 7-9pm starting June 9 thru Sept 22 2015
Celebrating 75 years!
JUNE 17, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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