Sodium-ion energy storage moved closer to large-scale deployment on July 22, 2026, as ESS Tech, Inc. and Juniper Energy LLC signed a Letter of Intent for 500 MWh or more of battery energy storage systems. The agreement creates a long-term framework for future projects. It also starts with a planned 10 MW / 80 MWh project in California. As a result, the announcement marks an important step for ESS as it expands its non-lithium storage business in the U.S.
Sodium-ion energy storage agreement sets a 500+ MWh target
ESS and Juniper Energy designed the LOI to support multiple deployments over the coming years. Under the framework, Juniper Energy expressed its intent to procure 500 MWh or more of ESS battery energy storage systems by 2032. Therefore, the deal gives ESS a clear path to scale commercial adoption of its sodium-based technology.
The companies chose an initial California project to begin the partnership. That first project calls for 10 MW / 80 MWh of energy storage capacity. In addition, the site is expected to use ESS’s modular sodium-ion AC solution, Bridge™, together with an ESS Energy Management System. The companies are targeting commercial operation in 2027.
This phased approach adds clarity to the partnership. First, the companies plan to validate performance through the California installation. Next, they can expand into additional projects under the broader procurement framework. Consequently, the LOI supports both near-term execution and longer-term growth.
ESS and Juniper Energy focus on sodium-ion energy storage growth
ESS positions itself as a provider of non-lithium energy storage solutions. The company says demand is rising for safer, domestically sourced alternatives to conventional Lithium-ion batteries. Because of that trend, the Juniper Energy agreement aligns with a broader market shift toward diversified energy storage technologies.
Drew Buckley, CEO of ESS, said the agreement supports the company’s strategy to expand its technology portfolio and bring sodium-ion energy storage to market. He also said the planned deployment and long-term procurement framework reflect growing customer demand for alternatives to lithium-ion systems.
Juniper Energy also framed the agreement as a practical step toward commercialization. Keith McDaniels, Managing Partner of Juniper Energy, said his firm wants partners that can move innovative energy technologies from development into commercial operation. He added that ESS has shown an ability to integrate, deploy, and scale advanced energy storage systems. Therefore, Juniper sees the Bridge platform as a strong fit for future projects.
Sodium-ion energy storage could support several key markets
ESS believes its domestically sourced, non-lithium systems can serve a wide range of applications. These include utility-scale energy storage, AI data centers, commercial and industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure. As electricity demand grows, storage developers need systems that can help manage load, improve resilience, and support renewable energy integration.
For that reason, a 500+ MWh framework matters beyond a single project. It signals that project developers are evaluating sodium-ion technology for larger deployment pipelines. Moreover, it shows that developers want flexible storage options that can fit different project types and operating needs.
The planned California project also gives the market a concrete reference point. Instead of a broad concept, the LOI begins with a specific installation size, location, and timeline. That detail makes the announcement more relevant for investors, developers, and energy market watchers.
Sodium-ion energy storage project details investors should watch
Several figures stand out in the announcement. The first is the 500 MWh+ long-term deployment target. The second is the planned 10 MW / 80 MWh California project. The third is the expected 2027 commercial operation date for that initial installation. Together, these numbers outline both the scale and pace of the partnership.
Investors and industry participants may also focus on the structure of the agreement. The LOI does not cover only one order. Instead, it establishes a framework for future collaboration. If the initial project moves forward successfully, the companies can build on that foundation with additional deployments through 2032.
Why the ESS and Juniper Energy sodium-ion energy storage deal matters
The ESS and Juniper Energy agreement combines a near-term project with a long-term procurement vision. On one hand, the 80 MWh California project gives the partnership a clear starting point. On the other hand, the 500 MWh+ target by 2032 adds scale and strategic value.
Overall, the LOI highlights growing commercial interest in sodium-ion energy storage in 2026. It also strengthens ESS’s position in non-lithium battery storage. Most importantly, it gives Juniper Energy a pathway to deploy advanced storage systems across future projects. If the companies execute on the first installation, this partnership could become an important example of how sodium-ion storage moves from pilot-stage planning to broader commercial use.
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