How Immersion Cooling Stops Battery Fires Fast! | EP303

What if battery storage systems simply couldn't catch fire?

In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Matt Ward, President of Etica AG, to explore a revolutionary battery technology that's changing the game for fire safety in battery energy storage (BESS). Matt discusses their patented immersion cooling technology that uses dielectric fluid to completely surround battery cells, preventing thermal runaway and eliminating fire risks.

Key topics covered:

• How immersion cooling technology works and why it's superior to traditional air or liquid cooling
• The challenge of getting UL 9540A certification when your batteries won't burn during testing
• Why major cities like New York are perfect markets for non-flammable battery storage
• The growing demand for battery storage, driven by data centers, EV charging, and grid stability needs
• Navigating Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) regulations and supply chain challenges
• The "earn, save, protect" value stack of battery storage systems
• Why fire safety is becoming the key differentiator in urban energy storage projects

Matt shares insights from his transition from founding SolMicrogrid (acquired by Morgan Stanley) to joining Etica AG. He explains how this technology could unlock battery installations in locations previously considered too risky - including rooftops and inside buildings in major metropolitan areas.

Whether you're a developer, asset owner, or simply interested in the future of energy storage, this episode reveals how immersion cooling could be the next generation of battery technology that makes fire-safe energy storage a reality.

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Matt Ward

Etica AG

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