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Samsung SDI's all-in-one energy storage system (ESS) solution, SBB 1.7. / Courtesy of Samsung SDI

Samsung SDI is accelerating its expansion into the U.S. energy storage system (ESS) market by securing a series of battery supply contracts. The company is strengthening its foothold in the North American ESS market by leveraging its differentiated prismatic battery technology and local production capabilities.

Samsung SDI announced on Oct. 26 that its U.S. subsidiary, Samsung SDI America (SDIA), has signed an agreement to supply 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of ESS solutions to U.S. energy company Alpha Omega Power (AOP).

Including the initial contract signed late last year, the total supply volume amounts to 1.5 GWh. AOP plans to deploy the ESS solutions supplied by Samsung SDI in large-scale power projects scheduled to begin construction in Texas next year.

The latest contract covers Samsung Battery Box (SBB) 1.7, an all-in-one ESS solution equipped with nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) batteries. The products will be manufactured at the StarPlus Energy (SPE) plant in Indiana and delivered by the end of this year.

SBB 1.7 uses high-capacity, high-nickel NCA materials. Although it has the same 20-foot dimensions as the previous SBB 1.5 model, its energy density is 17% higher. It also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-based early anomaly detection and lifespan prediction algorithms to improve space efficiency and operational stability.

Fire safety is another key strength. SBB 1.7 has obtained certification under NFPA 855, the National Fire Protection Association's standard for ESS installations, and UL 9540, a safety standard for energy storage systems. It also incorporates Samsung SDI's proprietary Enhanced Direct Injection (EDI) technology, which is built into the battery modules.

Samsung SDI has secured a series of orders from U.S. energy companies this year. The company is also discussing additional supply agreements with several local customers, raising expectations of further contract wins.

Industry observers attribute Samsung SDI's recent orders to the technological competitiveness of its prismatic batteries and its local production capabilities. Samsung SDI has established a differentiated position in the North American ESS market as a non-Chinese supplier of prismatic batteries. Analysts say the company is meeting local customers' needs by capitalizing on the structural advantages, safety and durability of its prismatic batteries.

"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," said Fabrice Hudry, vice president and head of the ESS team at Samsung SDI America. "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."

                                                                                                            Kim Jeong-kyu