ESS Signs 500 MWh Deployment Agreement
ESS signed a Letter of Intent with Juniper Energy for up to 500 MWh of sodium-ion battery storage systems, starting with a 10 MW / 80 MWh project in California using ESS’s Bridge™ platform.
Energy storage systems provider ESS announced a commercial agreement with Juniper Energy to deploy at least 500 MWh of sodium-ion battery storage, representing a major step for the company’s non-lithium portfolio. The deal includes a framework for long-term collaboration, beginning with a 10 MW / 80 MWh project in California. The initiative is expected to utilise ESS’s Bridge™ sodium-ion battery platform and Energy Management System, marking a shift toward alternative battery chemistries in energy storage. The agreement underscores growing industry interest in safe, scalable, and domestically sourced storage solutions amid modernisation efforts in utilities and critical infrastructure.
The 10 MW / 80 MWh project in California will serve as the initial phase of the agreement, with potential expansion to 500 MWh or more pending further development. ESS’s Bridge™ platform, designed for long-duration energy storage, is positioned as a key technology for utilities, AI infrastructure, and industrial applications requiring reliable power. The collaboration with Juniper Energy aligns with broader trends in the energy sector toward diversifying storage technologies beyond traditional lithium-ion systems. Project timelines and deployment schedules were not disclosed in the announcement.
Juniper Energy, a developer and operator of energy infrastructure, will work with ESS to integrate the sodium-ion battery systems into its projects, supporting grid stability and renewable energy integration. The agreement reflects increasing demand from utilities and data centre operators for storage solutions that reduce reliance on lithium supply chains while maintaining performance. ESS highlighted the domestic sourcing of materials as a strategic advantage in its technology deployment. Financial terms of the agreement were not specified in the announcement.
The partnership between ESS and Juniper Energy follows broader industry efforts to adopt alternative battery technologies amid supply chain and sustainability considerations. Sodium-ion batteries offer advantages such as lower fire risk and reduced dependence on critical minerals compared to lithium-ion systems. The initial 10 MW / 80 MWh project is expected to demonstrate the viability of ESS’s technology in real-world applications, with potential scaling based on performance and market demand.