Oregon-based energy storage startup ESS Tech has partnered with Alsym Energy to manufacture 8.5 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion batteries, expanding its portfolio beyond traditional iron flow battery technology.

Key Points

• ESS Tech signed a letter of intent to manufacture Alsym Energy’s new sodium-ion battery cells and modules.
• The partnership targets an 8.5 gigawatt-hour production capacity to serve short- and medium-duration energy storage needs.
• Alsym’s sodium-ion technology is marketed as a non-flammable, cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries that eliminates thermal runaway risks.
• ESS will continue producing its proprietary iron flow batteries for long-duration applications, creating a dual-technology storage platform.
• ESS recently acquired intellectual property and engineering talent from the bankrupt German startup VoltStorage to bolster its global technical capabilities.

Why it Matters

This collaboration signals a strategic shift toward diversifying non-lithium energy storage solutions to meet varying grid requirements. By combining iron flow and sodium-ion chemistries, the companies aim to provide a safer, more versatile alternative to lithium-ion systems while reducing total ownership costs for industrial and grid-scale clients.