A123Systems scores another Center of Energy Excellence for Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has scored another designation as one of the state's first Centers of Energy Excellence now that A123Systems has been granted $10 million.

The centers serve as alternative energy partnerships, which are designed to bring companies and universities together to support cutting-edge research and development on new alternative-energy technology.

Boston-based A123Systems will use the $10 million for its Ann Arbor office. It will focus on rechargeable lithium batteries for automobiles. The University of Michigan will contribute research on manufacturing system design, performance and processes while Michigan State University chips in research on battery materials and electrode designs.

The Michigan Strategic Fund can allocate up to $45 million to establish these centers around the state. Last year Sakti3 and U-M won $3 million to help it develop its next-generation lithium battery technologies and processes.

Source: Michigan Strategic Fund
Writer: Jon Zemke