GE Energy Storage Technologies, a unit of GE Transportation, has introduced the Durathon battery -- the next generation of industrial energy storage for the telecom industry -- at the CTIA Wireless (News - Alert) exhibition in Las Vegas.

The Durathon battery can be used as a backup system for hybrid telecom sites where non-grid sources of power are utilized, and in traditional base stations that are powered by robust and/or unstable electrical grids.

Because of its proprietary chemistry, the Durathon battery lasts up to ten times longer than traditional telecom backup storage systems. This reduces the total cost of ownership and ensures network efficiency and optimization for wireless providers.

That’s why GE invested $160 million on this product. The Durathon battery is temperature-insensitive, too, which allows for coverage in remote areas with extreme weather conditions.

GE’s new battery plant is located in Schenectady, N.Y., and is creating 350 new high tech jobs in the region, according to the company. The facility has the advantage of being in close proximity to GE Global Research in Niskayuna, where advances to the battery chemistry were developed. The batteries, which are a critical piece of energy storage systems, will rely heavily on new materials, new manufacturing technologies and intelligent controls.

“As the telecommunications industry continues to expand, it’s essential that providers have reliable backup power to ensure continuous coverage for consumers in all areas of the globe,” said Prescott Logan, general manager GE Energy Storage Technologies. “The Durathon battery will change the way providers think about backup energy storage and its importance in maintaining network availability.”