In grids increasingly dominated by renewables, grid-forming technology is emerging as critical tool for maintaining stability and ensuring reliable power system operation. In this interview with ESS News, Rui Sun, Sungrow’s Deputy General Manager-Grid Technology Center, explains how grid-forming works, why it matters, and where the technology is already proving its value. He elaborates on technical challenges, regulatory gaps, and why grid-forming could soon become the new industry standard.

The world’s biggest battery maker unveiled its latest utility-scale battery energy storage product- the Tener Stack – at the Smarter E show. The 9 MWh system supports both centralized and string power conversion system architectures, offering flexibility for a range of deployment scenarios.

The new 20-foot Center L Max system is configurable for storage durations ranging from two to eight hours and is compatible with 2000 V platforms. It utilizes the manufacturer’s proprietary 783 Ah cells, which feature an oxide solid electrolyte.

Dutch energy storage firm Return has started construction on the 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in Waddinxveen, which will be the first project of the size to connect to the TenneT Netherlands high-voltage network in 2026. Vattenfall will manage and optimize half of the system’s capacity under an eight-year contract.

Bulgaria’s standalone energy storage tender, which aimed to procure at least 3 GWh of cumulative usable capacity, ultimately awarded more than three times that amount.

The competition in the development of large-capacity cells is heating up, with the industry’s top player stepping up to shape the new standard in the battery energy storage space.

Dutch transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT has unlocked over 9 GW of high-voltage grid capacity by introducing flexible contracts for off-peak hours, prompting a surge of interest from battery energy storage developers eager to secure grid access. While these contracts offer notable advantages, Aurora Energy Research says that battery storage projects continue to face challenges due to grid fees, which remain significantly higher than in other European markets.

Analysts see negative impacts across the board, but EV and battery energy storage industries seem particularly vulnerable to US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

The Chinese manufacturer has unveiled its latest generation commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage system, Chess Plus. The product is currently available in China and the US, with the European version under evaluation.

The Swedish manufacturer has launched an integrated all-in-one system which features a 450-540 kWh battery energy storage component and a 240 kW DC fast charger. The system is designed for powering sites, whether in grid-connected or island mode.