Through a strategic agreement, the California-based renewable energy developer will ramp up its deployment of sodium-ion batteries. Deal follows Alsym Energy entering into an 8.5 GWh partnership with iron flow battery company ESS.
By ESS news
Juniper Energy will deploy 500 MWh of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) – primarily in California – as part of a new strategic partnership with Alsym Energy.
The deal will see Juniper integrate Alsym’s Na-Series technology and is expected to involve the deployment of sodium-ion battery storage in the Mojave Desert.
High-temperature regions such as the Mojave Desert have higher cooling requirements for energy storage devices and both partners of the deal consider sodium ion to be a better technical solution than lithium-ion BESS.
US-based Alsym Energy argued that the sodium ion chemistry used in the Na series is designed to prevent overheating and can operate efficiently using passive rather than active cooling. This is expected to simplify the balance of plant requirements and thereby reduce initial capital costs.
based in Massachusetts Alssym Energy officially introduced its Na-Series in October 2025and describes it as non-flammable and non-toxic. The products use non-Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC) materials, which should avoid exposure to customs-related friction.
Mukesh Chatter, CEO and co-founder of Alsym Energy described Juniper Energy as a “forward-thinking” developer that “recognizes the inherent limitations of lithium [battery technology] in warmer environments.”
“Our Na-Series technology is built for exactly this: to provide high-performance, fast-charging storage that doesn’t require complex cooling or compromise community safety. By manufacturing here in the U.S., we ensure partners like Juniper can deploy projects faster and more profitably.”
Keith McDaniels, founder and managing partner of Juniper Energy, said the company views sodium ion technology as the “first solution” for California’s power grid. Alsym’s position as a U.S. company should also allow Juniper to take advantage of clean energy tax credits associated with the projects.
“Alsym’s ability to deliver a safe, US-made battery allows us to maximize tax benefits and improve project IRRs while providing our customers with a more flexible, reliable and cost-effective means of storage.”
The deal with Juniper follows quickly on the heels of the announcement of an 8.5 GWh partnership between Alsym and ESS Tech, Inc. Previously focused on iron flow battery technology, ESS has signed a letter of intent with Alsym to add 8.5 GWh sodium ion cells and modules to its portfolio.
It comes as ESS repositions itself after a number of financially challenging years for the company. The company reported a significant decline in revenue in 2025 and a net loss of $63.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an improvement from the net loss of $86.2 million in 2024. In February, ESS Tech acquired the intellectual property and assets of its German iron flow batteries division. Volt storagethereby strengthening the company’s intellectual property base while providing access to a skilled workforce.
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