TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Next-generation industrial energy management is now being tested in Alabama, thanks to a pilot project between the Alabama Mobility and Power Center and energy solutions company PowerBox Technology.
The Alabama Mobility and Power Center is an industry-driven research and development initiative focused on advancing battery technologies, energy storage, power systems and next-generation mobility. Established in 2021 through a partnership among The University of Alabama, Alabama Power and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, AMP has grown into a consortium of more than 50 organizations spanning industry, academia and government.
Through its research capabilities and industry partnerships, AMP supports technology development, workforce development and economic growth across Alabama’s expanding battery and energy ecosystem.
PowerBox seeks to create management solutions for energy systems near their point of use. As industrial facilities integrate solar, batteries and traditional grid power at their sites, energy systems are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to manage efficiently. Technologies like the ones developed by PowerBox can now be tested at the AMP Power Research Lab, which opened on April 10.
“The purpose of the AMP Power Research Lab is to provide a real-world testbed where emerging energy technologies can move beyond the conceptual phase and be integrated, validated, and evaluated under practical operating conditions,” said Mike Malley, director of AMP Research. “As energy systems become increasingly distributed, electrified, and interconnected, there is a growing need to better understand how new technologies perform, interact, and create value across the broader energy ecosystem.”
PowerBox Technology is an Illinois-based startup specializing in industrial energy reliability. It was a participant in the 2025 Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator, an Alabama Power initiative designed to help energy companies grow.
“Alabama’s ability to attract and grow advanced manufacturing depends on having the energy infrastructure and innovative technologies that modern industry requires,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. “This pilot program is a great example of how we are bringing together industry, entrepreneurship and research to develop practical solutions for the future. This work will strengthen our competitive position and keep Alabama a leading destination for advanced manufacturing and energy-intensive industries.”
PowerBox uses a combined hardware and software solution that provides real-time visibility, control and optimization across all energy assets.
“This pilot at the AMP Center is a meaningful milestone for PowerBox as we continue building our presence in Alabama post Techstars,” said PowerBox CEO Oscar Azofeifa. “The state has a strong industrial economy, a forward-looking energy ecosystem and partners who understand the importance of energy innovation. We see this project as an opportunity to demonstrate our technology in a relevant environment, collaborate with energy technology partners and contribute to Alabama’s leadership in advanced energy infrastructure.”
Early work in the AMP Power Lab includes managing more than 15 energy loads and approximately 500 kilowatt-hours of storage. This capability is critical for optimizing performance, preventing costly demand spikes and improving overall system resilience.
The pilot project is demonstrating how advanced software can coordinate solar generation, battery storage and backup power as a unified system rather than isolated assets.
“Projects like this allow us to work alongside innovators such as PowerBox to evaluate technologies in an operational environment and explore solutions that can improve reliability, efficiency, flexibility and resilience across future energy systems,” Malley said.
