Grid & Utility Energy Storage

Safety is a top concern for utilities and grid operators, especially when deploying BESS in densely populated areas or near critical infrastructure. Lithium-ion batteries pose significant safety risks due to their flammable electrolytes and susceptibility to thermal runaway, a condition where the battery overheats, potentially leading to fires or explosions. This is particularly dangerous in urban areas or critical infrastructure settings where emergency response could be hindered. Moreover, lithium-ion systems can be very hard to permit and approve because of these fire risks, limiting deployment options.

Alsym addresses these safety concerns with its non-flammable chemistry, which eliminates the risk of thermal runaway and ensures safe operation even in extreme conditions. In locations where lithium-ion systems may not be permitted, such as urban centers, underground facilities, or near critical infrastructure, using Alsym batteries can provide a safe alternative.

Alsym batteries will not ignite or cause hazardous conditions in the event that salt deposits bridge cell terminals. This feature is particularly valuable for coastal areas or flood-prone regions, where utilities require storage systems that can withstand environmental hazards without creating additional risks. In contrast, the chemistry of lithium-ion batteries makes them susceptible to fire or explosion if submerged in salt water. This has the potential to turn a disaster into an even bigger disaster.

Renewable energy project developers and utilities are constantly seeking ways to reduce costs, especially as they scale up the deployment of renewable energy sources. In an industry where cost efficiency is crucial, levelized cost of storage (LCOS) is a key factor in evaluating the financial viability of energy storage systems. LCOS measures the total cost of installing and operating a storage system over its lifetime, divided by the amount of energy stored.

An LCOS lower than other non-lithium technologies and competitive with lithium-ion can be delivered through high energy density, low cell costs, high RTE, and low self-discharge. Alsym batteries have a wide discharge range (from 2 to 110 hours) and fast recharge times (as little as 4 hours), features that allow grid operators and renewable energy developers to optimize the use of stored energy. Furthermore, Alsym’s low maintenance requirements and high reliability contribute to lower operational expenses, making it an economically attractive option for grid-scale applications.

Systems using Alsym batteries can perform multiple cost-conscious use cases including rate arbitrage, peak shaving, and reduced renewable curtailment. By storing energy during off-peak periods when prices are low and discharging it during peak demand when prices are higher, utilities can optimize energy sales and take advantage of fluctuating rates. Peak shaving minimizes reliance on costly power during high-demand periods, while storing excess renewable energy reduces curtailment — enabling greater renewable integration and maximizing the value of solar and wind assets.

For utilities, reliability matters more than anything else. Reliable energy supply is crucial for maintaining the trust of ratepayers, satisfying shareholders, and meeting regulatory requirements. Any disruption in power delivery can have far-reaching consequences, from damaging grid infrastructure to affecting critical services like hospitals, data centers, and residential power. Ensuring continuous power supply is not only essential for maintaining economic stability but also for meeting the energy needs of millions of constituents who rely on uninterrupted service.

Energy storage systems play a critical role in improving grid reliability. They allow utilities to store excess energy generated during periods of low demand and discharge it when demand spikes. This helps stabilize the grid, preventing outages during peak times, and ensures that renewable energy sources like solar and wind can be used efficiently, even when weather conditions fluctuate. By offering on-demand energy during grid failures or disruptions, battery energy storage systems (BESS) enhance grid resilience, improving the utility’s ability to meet both planned and unforeseen demand surges.

Alsym offers the highest-performing non-lithium option for utilities seeking alternatives to traditional lithium-ion systems. It offers up to 10x higher energy density than other non-lithium technologies, allowing utilities to store more energy in a smaller footprint. This is particularly beneficial for urban and constrained spaces. Lower cost and lack of need for complex pumps and other ancillary systems also make it easier and more cost-effective to install and maintain. Additionally, Alsym has flexible discharge capability (2 to 110 hours), offering utilities the adaptability needed for a range of grid support functions, from short-duration frequency regulation to long-duration peak demand management.

As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, energy infrastructure must be resilient enough to withstand increasingly severe weather events. From hurricanes and floods to heatwaves and wildfires, climate change poses significant challenges to power grids and energy storage systems.

Alsym’s non-flammable design provides a safe and reliable backup power source in disaster-prone areas, allowing utilities to maintain critical grid operations without the risk of fires or explosions. By providing a flexible, wide-duration source of backup power, Alsym helps utilities ensure grid stability even during extended outages. This is particularly important in areas vulnerable to hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, where maintaining power for essential services—such as hospitals, water treatment plants, and emergency response centers—is critical. Additionally, Alsym batteries can be deployed in areas where lithium-ion systems may not be allowed provides greater flexibility for utilities looking to enhance grid resilience in high-risk regions. Traditional lithium-ion batteries require carefully controlled operating conditions to function effectively. As temperatures rise, more input energy will be used to control those conditions, reducing system efficiency.

To make matters worse, lithium-ion battery systems can actually contribute to scale of disasters in areas prone to storms, floods, or wildfires. Submersion or exposure to salt air can create short circuits that lead to fires, and lithium-ion batteries are highly likely to auto-ignite when exposed to the levels of heat produced by wildfires. The non-flammable design of Alsym chemistry ensures that energy storage systems pose no fire or explosion risk in the event of a system failure or external damage.

• Grid Firming: In renewable-rich grids, maintaining stable power during variable generation is critical. Alsym batteries support grid firming by storing excess solar or wind energy during peak production and discharging it when generation dips. This provides firm, dispatchable capacity without relying on fossil-fuel peakers—ensuring consistent power when it’s needed most.
• Peak Shaving and Rate Arbitrage: High-demand periods drive up electricity costs and strain the grid. Alsym batteries store energy when demand and prices are low, then discharge during peak periods to reduce costs and relieve grid stress. Their efficiency and flexible discharge duration also support rate arbitrage—capturing low-cost energy and using or reselling it when prices spike.
• Frequency Regulation: Grid frequency must remain stable despite fluctuations in supply and demand. Alsym batteries respond instantly to imbalances by injecting or absorbing power as needed. Their fast response time ensures smoother grid operations, especially in regions with high renewable penetration, where traditional generators fall short.
• Storage as a Transmission Asset: In regions with congested or limited transmission infrastructure, upgrading lines is costly and slow. Alsym batteries alleviate grid congestion by storing energy during low-demand periods and discharging during peaks—delivering power where and when it’s needed without expensive new transmission lines.
• Renewable Curtailment: Excess renewable energy is often wasted when supply exceeds demand. Alsym batteries store surplus solar and wind energy during periods of overproduction and discharge it later, reducing curtailment and maximizing asset utilization. With high round-trip efficiency and flexible output, they help utilities make the most of clean energy.
• Urban Energy Storage: In dense cities, safety concerns and space constraints limit energy storage options. Alsym batteries offer a non-flammable solution that can be deployed safely in residential neighborhoods, underground substations, or commercial buildings—enabling storage close to demand centers without costly fire suppression systems.
• Coastal and Flood-Prone Regions: Saltwater exposure and flooding create hazards for traditional battery systems. Alsym batteries are safe in submerged environments and pose no fire risk, making them ideal for coastal and flood-prone areas. They provide reliable storage without the safety and environmental risks of lithium-ion technologies.
• Renewable Energy Integration: As solar and wind become dominant energy sources, storage is essential for balancing supply and demand. Alsym batteries capture excess generation and release it when needed, helping utilities stabilize the grid, reduce emissions, and rely less on fossil-fuel peaker plants.
• Critical Infrastructure: In areas vulnerable to severe weather, critical services like hospitals, emergency centers, and water treatment facilities depend on reliable backup power. Alsym batteries provide extended-duration energy storage during outages and recharge rapidly afterward—ensuring uninterrupted support for essential infrastructure when it’s needed most.