Cutting Foreign Oil Dependence: Woodridge Company Could Play Big Role

Navitas Systems LLC, a Woodridge-based company that produces large batteries for industrial and government users, is looking to get involved with Argonne National Laboratory's new $120 million federally-funded battery research center, according to Crain's Chicago Business.

Crain's writes: 

Housed in an industrial park building that Argonne once leased for administrative staff, Navitas officials plan to meet with senior lab staff next month to discuss the firm's participation in the $120 million research center, which is aiming for big breakthroughs in energy storage technology over the next five years.

'We have world-class scientists,' a Navitas spokesman said. 'It makes perfect sense to re-engage with Argonne.'

Woodridge-based Navitas popped onto the scene when it paid $2.25 million earlier this month to buy the military contracts and government-oriented research department of bankrupt battery maker A123 Systems Inc. when the rest of the firm was sold to Chinese auto parts maker Wanxiang Group Corp., whose U.S. operations are based in Elgin.

Energy storage is a $42 billion industry that is growing at a rate of 8 percent a year, Gov. Pat Quinn said during a press conference at Argonne in November. And officials say this lab could help slash dependence on foreign oil.

Navitas dates back to 2003 when founder and Chairman Alan ElShafei started MicroSun Technologies LLC—a maker of rechargeable batteries also based in Woodridge—which was aquired by Palladium this month. 

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