Posted on October 17, 2023
DANBURY- State Representative Holly Cheeseman (R-37) along with other state lawmakers on Friday toured Cadenza Innovation in Danbury. Company founder and CEO Maria Christina Lampe-Önnerud is a Swedish inorganic chemist, battery-inventor, and entrepreneur.
Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud is developing lithium-ion batteries for use in grid storage and electric vehicles. Lampe-Onnerud believes there is an opportunity to phase-in new technology and shift to a new energy paradigm. She told legislators that the economy is fueled by the cost of energy, and her technology could lower the cost through implementation of Cadenza’s technology. Cadenza’s disruptive technology offers safer and significantly improved lithium-ion batteries compared to legacy technology.
Lampe-Onnerud told the legislators that Cadenza is working with state agencies, such as PURA and DEEP, to enable a smooth transition from fossil fuels to green energy. Cadenza’s batteries are listed with the Connecticut Green Bank’s Energy Storage Solutions program. The company also has federal support from the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD). Lampe-Onnerud has also served on the Board of the NY- Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium for over 4 years to assist in promoting energy storage as a solution for a clean energy future.
Rep. Cheeseman noted that, currently, Connecticut’s licensing laws are quite restrictive, and that Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) grid plan doesn’t have batteries until 2030, and that’s too late. The utilities are looking for continuity of operations and redundancy, neither of which are not built into the plan. They acknowledge that generators will only be a backup for so long.
“Advanced manufacturing is one of the sectors that Connecticut needs to promote and help grow because the industry provides plenty of jobs for a skilled workforce,” said Rep. Cheeseman, a member of the Energy and Technology and Commerce committees.
Lampe-Onnerud conveyed that their batteries could be paired with generators to reduce CO2 levels. If the state focuses on storage, that will make other renewables viable. She also touched on some legislative issues, advocating for a CT Made buying incentive to help Connecticut businesses thrive.