Distributed Storage

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.

SoftBank Group is piloting AI-controlled cellular base stations powered by solar panels and a 3 kW wind turbine to reduce energy use while maintaining service quality. The system stores excess power in batteries and can automatically switch to the grid when needed.

Axinar has launched SolBox, a direct PV water heating system that powers electric resistance accumulators without thermal collectors. It’s designed for homes and businesses, offering real-time monitoring, MPPT optimization, and automatic grid backup.

The Brazilian Association of Energy Storage Solutions (ABSAE) predicts that installations in Brazil’s commercial and industrial (C&I) segment should exceed 2 GWh in 2026. In addition, the group expects procurements of approximately 8 GWh in the auction scheduled for April, which will procure projects for delivery from 2028.

Researchers from Australia’s national science agency are working with Malaysian authorities to assess how different battery chemistries perform under tropical conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, and corrosion, and how these factors affect durability, safety, and cost effectiveness.

Basquevolt and Bcare have successfully developed and integrated the first solid-state cells into a module for stationary applications, accomplishing this within the Iberdrola-led ASTRA-CC project (2023–2025).

The Italian company said the manganese-hydrogen battery it has developed represents an advanced solution for long-duration energy storage. The technology enables energy to be stored for many hours or even days, overcoming the structural limitations of lithium-ion batteries.

Sensors are an indispensable tool to inform utility managers of the state of the electricity grid and the occurrence of disruptions of any kind. The IEC provides the standards and conformity assessment that enable them to operate safely and efficiently.

A new generation of sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery cells has been launched as an alternative to the virtual monopoly of lithium-ion (Li-ion). Although the technology is unlikely to displace significant Li-ion market share, recent improvements make Na-ion a viable solution for certain niche applications, with potential for wider usage if cost becomes competitive.

Soaring utility costs and rising power demand are recalibrating the financial outlook for the United States non-residential solar market.