ESS Tech Sodium-ion Battery system marks a new step in large-load energy storage. The company has introduced ESS Bridge, a modular 1.2 MWh battery platform for grid-scale sites, commercial projects, and AI data centers. As a result, ESS Tech is targeting customers that need flexible power, simple installation, and dependable long-duration storage.
Moreover, ESS Tech designed the new system to combine sodium-ion chemistry with the company’s existing energy management expertise. The company will deliver full system integration inside the container. That package includes cells, modules, and a battery management system. In turn, customers can adopt a more streamlined storage solution for demanding energy applications.
ESS Tech sodium-ion battery system targets large-load demand
ESS Tech launched ESS Bridge to serve fast-growing demand from large-load users. These users include utilities, commercial operators, and AI data center developers. Notably, AI workloads continue to increase power needs across digital infrastructure. Therefore, storage providers now need systems that can support higher performance and more flexible discharge patterns.
Drew Buckley, CEO of ESS Tech, said the company built Bridge to meet demand it already sees in the market. He also said AI workloads are changing what data centers require from energy storage. In addition, he noted that the company has generated nearly $1 billion in early-stage opportunity since entering sodium-ion. That figure highlights strong commercial interest in this segment in 2026.
The product name also reflects the company’s market message. According to ESS Tech, Bridge connects today’s energy needs with a more secure and resilient energy future. While that message supports branding, the technical value stands out more clearly in the system design. Specifically, the 1.2 MWh building block gives customers a modular format that they can deploy across multiple project types.
ESS Tech sodium-ion battery design focuses on simplicity
ESS Tech says simplicity drives the new platform. First, the company designed ESS Bridge to simplify logistics. Installers can set up the battery with a heavy-duty forklift. As a result, project teams can handle deployment more easily in many commercial and industrial settings.
Next, the system supports operation in a range of environments with normal air cooling. That design choice reduces complexity. It also helps customers avoid extra supporting equipment. Furthermore, ESS Tech says the battery does not require HVAC or liquid cooling systems. This approach can support easier site planning and more straightforward maintenance.
The company also emphasizes safety and operational confidence. ESS Tech says Bridge is designed to eliminate the risk of thermal runaway that is often associated with traditional Lithium-ion batteries. Consequently, the platform may appeal to owners who prioritize safe operation in high-demand environments such as data centers and critical infrastructure locations.
ESS Tech sodium-ion battery supports flexible duration
Another key feature is discharge flexibility. ESS Tech says ESS Bridge can support a wide range of charge and discharge profiles. These profiles range from one hour to 16 hours or more. Because of that range, the system can fit several use cases. For example, developers can consider it for shorter-duration power support, daily load shifting, or longer-duration grid services.
That flexibility matters in today’s market. Energy users want storage that can adapt to changing load patterns. Meanwhile, utilities need systems that can support resilience and reliability. By offering broad duration capability, ESS Tech positions Bridge as a practical option for diverse energy strategies.
ESS Tech sodium-ion battery uses abundant materials
ESS Tech built the new battery around abundant and widely available materials. This material strategy supports supply chain stability in North America. At the same time, it gives customers another way to plan projects with greater confidence. For buyers that want alternatives in stationary storage, this feature strengthens the product’s appeal.
The company also says the material base can help customers manage exposure to FEOC restrictions and other policy-related hurdles tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Therefore, ESS Tech is not only promoting battery performance. It is also highlighting procurement and compliance advantages that matter to project developers and asset owners in 2026.
ESS Tech sodium-ion battery aligns with long-term energy goals
Randall Selesky, chief commercial officer of ESS Tech, said battery asset owners want solutions that improve on the conventional model. He said customers are looking for better safety, simpler operations, more flexibility, and support for long-term energy security goals. According to Selesky, Bridge brings those benefits together in one platform.
Overall, ESS Tech has positioned ESS Bridge as a modular sodium-ion battery system for large-load applications. The company is aiming at grid-scale, commercial, and AI data center markets. With a 1.2 MWh building block, full system integration, air-cooled operation, and discharge durations from one to 16 hours or more, the product offers a clear value proposition. Just as importantly, the launch shows how ESS Tech plans to expand its role in the American non-lithium energy storage market in 2026.
Disclaimer:
The content presented on this page has not been manually verified by our team.
While we strive to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the validity, completeness,
or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult with appropriate professionals
or sources before making any decisions based on this content.
The image is randomly selected and doesn’t necessarily represent the company or the news above.
