Long-duration batteries are a winner in the AI boom
Long-duration batteries are a winner in the AI boom
Publish Date: 2026-04-08 11:13:00
Source Domain: cen.acs.org
- Long-duration energy storage has struggled to gain acceptance within the traditional utility industry, especially after receiving less support from the US government for renewable energy projects.
- The growth of data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) companies is providing a niche market for long-duration batteries. These data centers often face delays in connecting to the grid.
- Form Energy has agreed to build iron-air batteries that could provide multiple days of electricity for data centers, including a significant project for Crusoe and an expected large battery for a Google data center.
- Eos Energy Enterprises reports that data centers represent a rapidly growing portion of their long-duration battery projects, driven by the need for quick power deliveries.
- Various companies, including New Era Energy & Digital and FlexBase Group, are considering different long-duration battery technologies for their data center projects.
- The market for long-duration energy storage is growing, with installations reaching 15 gigawatt-hours in 2025, though it still represents a small portion of the larger energy storage market.
- Regulatory changes in some areas now allow industrial users, including data centers, to proceed with projects if they can demonstrate their own energy generation and storage capabilities.
- AI companies are finding that long-duration batteries can provide a faster and more cost-effective alternative to natural gas generators due to delays and rising prices.
- While the transition to a renewable-powered grid presents the ultimate opportunity for long-duration energy storage, the expanding data center market is generating significant momentum.
