Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery is moving toward real-world validation through two pilot projects planned for 2026. The California-based company wants to show that its long-duration storage system can serve as a safe and reliable backup power source. Moreover, it is focusing on data centers, where operators need constant uptime and flexible power support.
Inlyte Energy is positioning its sodium-iron battery technology as an alternative to diesel generators and conventional Lithium-ion systems. As data center power demand grows, operators are looking for storage that offers long duration, strong safety performance, and efficient integration. Therefore, Inlyte sees a clear market opportunity.
Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery pilot in Switzerland
Inlyte Energy plans to commission a 600 kWh, 25 kW pilot system with Swiss data center operator NTS Colocation. The installation is scheduled for a Tier IV facility in Bern, Switzerland by the end of 2026. The partners will use the project to evaluate system performance and integration with existing site infrastructure.
If the first deployment meets expectations, the companies plan to expand further. In fact, they could install up to 2 MW of iron-sodium battery capacity across NTS facilities by 2028. That roadmap gives Inlyte an important path from pilot scale to broader commercial use.
Why the Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery fits data centers
Data centers need backup systems that can respond quickly and run for extended periods. At the same time, they face variable power demand that requires flexible energy support. According to Inlyte executives Antonio Baclig and Ben Kaun, the company’s battery design matches those needs well.
Many data centers still rely on diesel generators and other on-site fossil fuel systems. Those assets can support long outages and manage volatile loads. However, operators increasingly want cleaner and quieter backup solutions. As a result, interest in advanced battery storage continues to rise.
Baclig said many data center companies want to replace diesel generators. He also noted that Microsoft has pledged to stop using the technology by 2030. Therefore, the market is searching for practical and economical long-duration alternatives. Inlyte believes its system can fill that gap.
Safety, lifespan, and energy density
Inlyte says its battery architecture supports long operating life and strong safety performance. The company currently estimates a lifespan of 7,000 cycles, which translates to about 20 years of operation. That long service life could improve value for facilities that need dependable backup power.
Kaun also said the technology has no risk of fire or thermal runaway. That feature matters for operators that prioritize safety in dense, mission-critical environments. In addition, he said the modules can continue operating even if internal cell failures occur. This design supports resilience and system continuity.
The company also emphasizes compact deployment potential. According to Kaun, Inlyte can deploy up to 1 GWh of energy storage capacity per acre. Consequently, the technology may appeal to facilities where space efficiency matters.
Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery utility pilot in Alabama
Inlyte is also preparing a domestic utility demonstration with Southern Company. The battery system will be installed at an energy storage test site in Wilsonville, Alabama. There, it will undergo at least one year of evaluation.
This second pilot expands the company’s validation strategy beyond data centers. It also gives Inlyte a chance to prove performance in a utility setting. Together, the Switzerland and Alabama projects should provide important operating data ahead of larger-scale commercialization.
Domestic manufacturing plans for the Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery
Alongside its pilot deployments, Inlyte is building a U.S. manufacturing footprint. The company is working with Horien Salt Battery Solutions to open its first domestic production facility. Initially, the site is expected to offer 2 GWh of manufacturing capacity.
Inlyte also plans to source more materials in the United States. Baclig said batteries from the U.S. facility will contain 70% domestic content. Furthermore, the company recently announced a collaboration with Ervin Industries. The partners will engineer new iron powder formulas for the batteries.
Commercial shipments of domestically produced Inlyte batteries are targeted for 2027. That timeline aligns with the company’s push to move from pilots to scaled supply. If those milestones stay on track, Inlyte could strengthen its position in long-duration energy storage for both data centers and utility customers.
What comes next for Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery
Inlyte Energy is entering an important phase. First, it will test its sodium-iron battery in a 600 kWh pilot with NTS Colocation in Bern. Next, it will deploy a utility demonstration with Southern Company in Alabama. At the same time, it is preparing a 2 GWh U.S. manufacturing base and targeting commercial shipments in 2027.
Overall, the company is taking a practical route to market. It is pairing field validation with domestic production and clear expansion targets. For data centers and utilities alike, the Inlyte Energy iron-sodium battery could become an increasingly relevant option for long-duration backup power.
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