Sodium-ion Battery storage is gaining ground in the United States as ESS Tech and Juniper Energy plan a long-term partnership for 500 MWh or more of deployment by 2032. Moreover, the first project in California gives the companies a clear starting point. That project will use a 10 MW / 80 MWh system and aims to start commercial operations in 2027.
ESS signed a Letter of Intent with Juniper Energy to create a framework for multiple energy storage projects. As a result, the agreement could expand sodium-ion battery storage across the US market. While the full 500 MWh-plus target depends on future project execution, the partnership marks a notable step for non-lithium storage in utility-scale applications.
Sodium-ion battery storage deal targets 500 MWh or more
The new agreement outlines a path for Juniper Energy to procure at least 500 MWh of ESS energy storage systems by 2032. In addition, the companies plan to begin with a California installation that can showcase the technology in a commercial setting. This first project will use ESS’s Bridge modular sodium-ion AC solution and the company’s Energy Management System.
The planned California system will deliver 10 MW of power and 80 MWh of storage capacity. Therefore, it will provide an eight-hour duration. That long duration makes it well suited for storing power and delivering it later when demand rises. In turn, grid operators can better manage renewable generation and shifting electricity needs.
Why sodium-ion battery storage matters in 2026
Sodium-ion battery storage has drawn strong interest in 2026 as utilities, developers, and large power users seek more options for energy storage. Unlike conventional lithium-based systems, sodium-ion technology uses more abundant materials. Consequently, developers can diversify their storage mix while supporting domestic supply goals.
ESS positions its platform as a domestically sourced alternative for utility-scale storage, data centers, commercial sites, industrial facilities, and critical infrastructure. Furthermore, the company aims to meet growing demand for reliable electricity as power consumption increases across the country.
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 reflects growing customer demand for safer and domestically sourced alternatives to conventional Lithium-ion batteries.
Sodium-ion battery storage project starts in California
The California project stands at the center of the partnership. First, it gives ESS a chance to validate the Bridge platform in a live commercial environment. Next, it gives Juniper Energy direct experience with the system before any larger rollout.
Keith McDaniels, Managing Partner of Juniper Energy, said the company focuses on partners that can move advanced energy technologies from development into commercial operation. He added that ESS has shown its ability to integrate, deploy, and scale energy storage systems. Because of that, Juniper sees the California installation as an important test of next-generation sodium-ion battery storage.
The eight-hour duration also adds value. Many battery projects focus on shorter-duration applications. By contrast, this system can shift energy over a longer window. As a result, it can support grid balancing, improve renewable integration, and deliver stored electricity during peak demand periods.
Sodium-ion battery storage and the US energy market
The US energy storage market continues to expand as electricity demand grows and renewable generation increases. At the same time, developers want storage systems that can support flexible operations across different use cases. Sodium-ion battery storage fits that trend because it offers another pathway for large-scale deployment.
If the planned projects move ahead, ESS could strengthen its position in the US storage sector. Likewise, Juniper Energy could gain access to a scalable sodium-ion platform for future projects. The partnership also highlights how developers now look beyond a single battery chemistry when planning long-term storage portfolios.
Importantly, the 500 MWh-plus figure represents a procurement intention under the Letter of Intent. Even so, the framework gives both companies a practical route to develop future projects together. The first milestone remains the 10 MW / 80 MWh California installation scheduled for commercial operation in 2027.
What the ESS and Juniper agreement means
The ESS and Juniper Energy partnership shows how sodium-ion battery storage is moving from concept to commercial deployment in the United States. The initial 80 MWh California project provides a real-world launch point. Meanwhile, the broader 500 MWh-plus target sets a clear growth path through 2032.
For the wider industry, this deal signals rising confidence in sodium-ion battery storage for utility-scale use. It also shows that developers want long-duration systems that can support grid reliability and renewable energy integration. If execution stays on track, this partnership could become one of the more important sodium-ion storage expansions in the US market in the years ahead.
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