ESS Sodium-ion Battery for data centers brings a new option to commercial energy storage in 2026. Oregon-based ESS Tech launched its new Bridge battery energy storage system, or BESS, to serve data centers, critical infrastructure operators, and other commercial users. The company designed the system around modular 1.2 MWh building blocks. As a result, customers can scale capacity with more flexibility and match storage to specific power needs.
Previously, ESS focused on iron flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. Those systems use liquid electrolytes made from iron, salt, and water. They support applications that need storage for eight to 22 hours. Now, ESS has expanded its lineup with sodium-ion technology for short- to medium-duration use cases. According to the company, the new Bridge platform can support charge and discharge profiles from 1 to 16 hours or more, depending on system configuration.
ESS sodium-ion battery for data centers adds a new storage option
ESS built the Bridge BESS with sodium-ion battery cells from Alsym Energy. The new platform targets customers that need high-density power in a compact footprint. Therefore, it fits data centers and other commercial facilities that want responsive and scalable storage. ESS says market demand drove this move. In fact, the company reported nearly $1 billion in demand for sodium-ion technology since it announced its partnership with Alsym in April.
CEO Drew Buckley said the company sees strong demand from customers with changing power profiles. He added that AI workloads are reshaping what data centers expect from energy storage. Because of that shift, ESS believes sodium-ion systems can support those needs effectively. Moreover, the company positions Bridge as a way to address immediate commercial demand while broadening its storage portfolio.
ESS sodium-ion battery for data centers focuses on modular design
ESS describes Bridge as a plug-and-play system. Each module includes all major hardware components inside a 10-foot container. In addition, the units are stackable, which helps customers optimize installation space. ESS says the system can deliver 4.8 MWh of storage in the same footprint as a traditional 20-foot battery container. That figure stands out for sites where available space matters.
The company also provides full system integration and energy management software. Consequently, customers get hardware and software in one package. That approach can simplify deployment and system control. For commercial operators, integrated software can improve visibility into performance, charging schedules, and power delivery.
Key specifications for the ESS sodium-ion battery for data centers
The new Bridge system includes several figures that matter for buyers:
- 1.2 MWh modular building blocks
- Charge and discharge profiles from 1 to 16 hours or more
- 4.8 MWh in the footprint of a traditional 20-foot battery container
- Operating range from -40 C to 50 C
- Air-cooled design with no liquid cooling or HVAC requirement
These numbers show that ESS aims to combine flexibility, density, and ease of deployment. Furthermore, the broad operating temperature range may help support installations in varied climates.
ESS sodium-ion battery for data centers emphasizes safety and simplicity
ESS says its sodium-ion systems use air cooling instead of liquid cooling or HVAC systems. As a result, the design stays simpler. The company also says the batteries are engineered to eliminate fire risk from thermal runaway. In general, sodium-ion batteries show a much lower incidence of thermal runaway than traditional Lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, safety remains a major part of the product message.
ESS also points to supply chain benefits. The company says the technology relies on an alternative supply chain that reduces exposure to critical mineral constraints and geopolitical sourcing concerns. For commercial buyers, that message may add appeal. Stable sourcing can support procurement planning and future scaling.
Why the ESS sodium-ion battery for data centers matters in 2026
The launch of Bridge marks ESS’s first sodium-ion battery product. At the same time, it shows how the energy storage market continues to diversify. Data centers now face rising power needs, especially as AI workloads grow. Therefore, operators want storage systems that respond quickly, scale efficiently, and fit tighter footprints. ESS aims to meet that demand with a modular sodium-ion platform that complements its iron flow battery business.
In short, ESS now offers two different storage paths for different durations and customer needs. Iron flow batteries remain part of its long-duration strategy. Meanwhile, Bridge extends the company into shorter and medium-duration applications. For data centers, critical infrastructure, and commercial users, that means another purpose-built storage option has entered the market in 2026.
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