Samsung SDI Signs Energy Storage Deal with Alpha Omega Power

Samsung SDI announced that its Michigan-based subsidiary, Samsung SDI America (SDIA), has signed an agreement with Alpha Omega Power (AOP), a US-based utility-scale battery storage developer and independent power producer, to supply 1 GWh of energy storage system (ESS) solutions. Including an initial contract signed late last year, the combined agreements between the two companies amount to 1.5 GWh.

AOP plans to deploy the ESS solutions supplied by SAMSUNG SDI for large-scale power projects critical for grid reliability and power demand growth, scheduled to begin construction in the WECC and ERCOT power markets next year.

Under the latest agreement, SAMSUNG SDI will supply its Samsung Battery Box (SBB) 1.7, a fully integrated ESS solution featuring nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) batteries. All cells and modules will be manufactured at the StarPlus Energy (SPE) plant in Kokomo, Indiana, and delivered by the end of this year.

SBB 1.7 features high-capacity, high-nickel NCA chemistry and delivers 17% higher energy density than its predecessor, SBB 1.5, while maintaining the same 20-foot footprint. The solution also incorporates SAMSUNG SDI’s ESS design expertise, including AI-powered algorithms for early anomaly detection and battery life prediction, and is designed for 25 years of continuous use.

SBB 1.7 has also obtained certifications and met safety standards including NFPA 855, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for the installation of stationary energy storage systems, and UL 9540, a safety standard for ESS. The solution also incorporates SAMSUNG SDI’s proprietary Enhanced Direct Injection (EDI) technology, which directly injects fire-extinguishing agents into individual battery modules, further enhancing fire safety.

SAMSUNG SDI has secured a series of ESS supply deals with U.S. energy companies this year and continues to discuss potential supply agreements with a number of local customers, with additional orders expected in the near future.

Industry analysts attribute SAMSUNG SDI’s recent contract wins in part to its prismatic battery technology (PrismStack), known for its strong performance and safety.

SAMSUNG SDI is currently the only non-Chinese supplier of prismatic ESS batteries in North America. With strong durability and fire safety compared with pouch-type batteries, its prismatic batteries have helped the company meet the stringent requirements of U.S. energy companies.

“American-made ESS from SAMSUNG SDI will play an important role in AOP’s continued growth,” said Paul Choi, CEO of Alpha Omega Power. “This second agreement strengthens our domestic supply chain supporting the next generation of energy infrastructure.”

“Alpha Omega Power is one of the fastest growing independent power producers in the country, and the kind of sophisticated operator we want to partner with to tackle grid reliability challenges,” said Fabrice Hudry, President ESS of SAMSUNG SDI America (SDIA) ESS Team “With our differentiated technology and local production capabilities, we will continue to expand our business foundation and strengthen our position in the North American ESS market.”