Marija Maisch
Noon Energy demonstrates 100+ hour ultra-long-duration energy storage system
The pilot showcases a reversible solid oxide fuel cell battery and represents the first fully containerized, modular ultra-LDES system to be operated for thousands of hours, achieving more than 200 hours of energy storage capacity.
Global BESS demand jumps 51% in 2025 as installations top 300 GWh
Iola Hughes, Head of Research at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, tells ESS News that 2026 is set to be another strong year for BESS, with forecast additions exceeding 450 GWh and no material supply constraints in sight. Meanwhile, the initial impact of rising lithium prices is already visible at the cell level, but the full effect has yet to ripple through to system pricing.
Sodium-ion batteries gain momentum: Unigrid launches commercial deliveries as Altris, Draslovka forge Europe’s first supply chain
With lithium prices reaching a two-year high in early 2026, sodium-ion batteries are once again in the spotlight, as innovators on both sides of the Atlantic announce major milestones.
Dutch long-duration energy storage project targets sub-€50/kWh costs with innovative technologies
The SLDBatt project brings together TRL 7 battery technologies – including molten sodium‑salt, saltwater acid–base flow, and hydrogen–iron flow batteries – to deliver an innovative and cost-effective long-duration energy storage solution.
Neoen’s battery to pioneer grid-forming services on French transmission network
At a major battery project, RTE and Neoen are trialing an inverter retrofit, marking a first for grid-forming services on France’s transmission network.
AlphaESS launches modular energy storage system for small C&I users
Designed for power ratings of 29.9 kW and 50 kW with scalable capacity up to 216,9 kWh, the new system is aimed at businesses seeking flexible energy storage solutions without the complexity of installation
Sodium-ion battery cells already near lithium-ion cost parity, set to get cheaper
By 2050, sodium-ion batteries with fast learning rates could deliver storage at 11–14 €/MWh – cheaper than lithium-ion at 16–22 €/MWh – while also offering higher energy-to-power ratios and high cycle durability, a new research finds.
China powers up world’s largest liquid air storage project
The 60 MW/600 MWh storage project is co-located with a 250 MW photovoltaic plant allowing for a high level of green energy self sufficiency.
JA Solar expands into energy storage with new subsidiary
The Chinese PV manufacturer is stepping up its energy storage push with a new Beijing subsidiary capitalized at RMB 300 million ($42 million).
Ford launches battery storage business, repurposing EV manufacturing capacity
The automotive giant will leverage its plants in Kentucky and Michigan, along with its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology know-how, to provide solutions for energy infrastructure and the expanding data center market. The company plans to begin shipping battery energy storage systems (BESS) in 2027.
