Strategic partnership in the US to build a full-stack storage platform that combines Peak Energy’s sodium-ion batteries with Energy Vault’s proprietary software ecosystem.
Sodium storage for artificial intelligence
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Feed i neocloud with sustainable energy solutions optimized for AI’s volatile loads: this is the objective with which the partnership was born between Peak Energy ed Energy Vault. The two companies are working on the launch of asodium storage architecturedesigned specifically for AI-native cloud and data centers that favor artificial intelligence. A solution, on paper, that promises essential elements for a rapidly expanding market.
Managing power spikes in AI workloads
Whether an AI model is found in training phase or have to handle millions of requests inference simultaneouslythe energy absorption of graphics processing unit (GPU) represents a critical element. In both cases it can, in fact, go from a few kW to hundreds of MW in a few milliseconds. Unlike traditional IT loads, new AI computing loads therefore present a highly volatile consumption profile, requiring storage systems capable of managing instant peaks in demand without degrading the efficiency of the network.
In this context, traditional battery systems are poorly suited to the extreme power demands generated by such loads, as they are designed to release energy constantly over a period of several hours. Of course: unsuitable does not mean useless. However, in lithium ion systems, delivering very high powers in a short time generates thermal stress in the cells, requiring massive air conditioning systems to avoid the “thermal runaway”.
Integration between sodium batteries and Vault OS software
The answer to this challenge comes from the new architecture co-developed by the two companies. The system combines the Peak Energy sodium ion technology with Energy Vault design and controls software Vault OS™. This integration – the companies explain in a press release – ensures a series of essential advantages for data centers operating in the AI field.
The result is a unique product capable of offering a simplified electrical designless dependence on UPS systems, lower cooling requirements and optimal management of highly volatile computing loads.
“The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is exposing the limits of conventional energy infrastructure”he stated Marco TerruzzinChief Revenue Officer di Energy Vault. “This solution enables faster deployment, lower costs and greater security”.
Technical advantages and costs of sodium BESS
The choice to focus on Sodium BESS offers more than a technical advantage. The sodium ion rechargeable they operate in a wider temperature range compared to lithium ones, which reduces the need for huge air conditioning systems and lowers total energy consumption. Not to mention that they can be discharged down to 0% without damaging the internal chemistry, therefore boasting greater operational flexibility.
There are obviously also disadvantages, starting with lower energy density and come on higher initial investments. Market data shows how, on average, sodium batteries cost even more than lithium ion batteries for the same storage capacity. The analyze the Wood Mackenzie they estimated an average cost for LFP batteries of US$52 per kWh for 2025 versus US$59 per kWh for sodium batteries. “We believe the cost of sodium-ion batteries is on a slightly faster downward trajectory than that of lithium-ion batteries, but we do not expect them to reach parity with LFPs until around 2035.”Woodmac wrote in November last year.
However, in the USA there are some more reasons to bet on this technology. Na+ ion-based chemistry offers the prospect of build new supply chains less dependent on Chinaa country that currently not only produces around 80% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries, but also 64% of refined lithium and almost 90% of cathode materials.
Furthermore, the budget law approved in July 2025, known as “one big beautiful bill“, imposed new restrictions on eligibility for tax credits, preventing projects from applying for the incentives if they are linked to any of four countries: China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
What does this mean for initiatives like Energy Vault’s? Which, as the new Peak Energy BESSs are produced in the United States, would allow customers to avoid restrictions and access incentives for “National Content”. Thus reducing the initial investment by 10-30%.
Neocloud objective: global expansion and Asian markets
The supply agreement stipulated between the two partners ensures the delivery of 1.5 GWh of sodium ion storage systems. The Energy Management System will operationally manage the batteries Vault OS™Energy Vault’s proprietary software stack optimized thanks to AI to work on multiple fronts: from demand forecasting to energy arbitrage, up to cell health management.
“Reducing the cost of energy is essential to winning the AI race, and our proprietary sodium ion energy storage systems offer the cheapest and fastest way to connect data centers to the grid”he stated Landon MossburgCEO of Peak Energy. “This partnership confirms how Peak technology is central to meeting the energy needs of AI, today and in the future”.
The era of neoclouds
Who will be the target customers of the new offer? THE neocloud. Originally born as stopgap solutions to address the GPU shortage, today this new generation of cloud service providers is experiencing a phase of global expansion.
Based on the most recent data, there are over 100 neoclouds in the world (about ten in the USA alone), each with dozens of data centers under management. The number easily exceeds 200 units also considering emerging startups and small regional operators.
Energy Vault has also secured exclusive channel partner rights for Peak Energy’s sodium ion technology in Australia and Japan.
date: 2026-02-10 08:07:00
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