MILTON, Ga., Nov. 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exide Technologies (Nasdaq:XIDE) (www.exide.com), a global leader in stored electrical-energy solutions, today introduced ReStore Energy Systems, a new division dedicated to the development and pursuit of new markets for renewable energy storage and lithium ion energy systems.

ReStore Energy Systems is a global division that will utilize proven technologies in lead-acid energy storage, along with recently acquired lithium ion technology, to develop new application-specific solutions for high-growth, global markets such as renewable energy. Technology- and application-specific collaboration with customers will be a hallmark of the new division.

"As a recognized global leader in energy storage, Exide is committed to creating innovative products that address the current and emerging realities of energy storage and usage around the world," said Gordon Ulsh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exide Technologies. "Our new ReStore Energy Systems division will utilize Exide's proven capabilities in advanced research and development, application engineering, the manufacture of superior-quality products, and customer service. The new division will work closely with Exide's Industrial Energy commercial teams in North America, Europe and Asia to expand renewable and lithium ion technologies, which have the potential to become a significant strategic growth and business development platform for Exide."

"Exide's ReStore Energy Systems is strategically focused on the design and commercialization of industry-leading, renewable energy storage solutions and high-performance, large-capacity lithium ion energy systems," said Gary Reinert, Vice President and General Manager of the ReStore Energy Systems division. "Our goal is to devise sustainable, long-term storage solutions in which technical, environmental and economic factors are perfectly balanced. This division will be highly collaborative with customers, as we work together to develop new products and applications."

The new global division is charged with identifying and pursuing new applications, principally in the following areas:

 * Large-scale storage for grid-connected renewable energy
   (primarily wind and solar)
 * Off-grid renewable power generation and storage (where the
   electricity grid does not exist or is frequently unreliable,
   primarily focused in developing, isolated regions of the world)
 * New industrial energy storage opportunities that will benefit
   from high-performance, large-capacity, rechargeable lithium
   ion batteries (with primary opportunities including stationary
   power, portable power and motive power applications).

"For renewable energy to be competitive with coal, natural gas, nuclear and oil, it needs to be cost effective and reliable," Reinert said. "At Exide, we believe energy storage is the key to achieving these objectives.