Inlyte Energy Achieves Major Milestone with Iron-Sodium Battery Test Completion

Inlyte Energy Hits a Significant Milestone with Iron-Sodium Battery Testing

Inlyte Energy, known for its groundbreaking work in energy technology, proudly announced that it has completed the factory acceptance test for its first full-scale iron-sodium battery storage unit at its facility in Derby, UK. This achievement marks a crucial stepping stone towards the company's vision of transforming the energy storage landscape. The factory acceptance test was witnessed by representatives from Southern Company, a major player in the U.S. energy sector, underscoring the importance of this technology's reliability and performance.

The successful test results indicate that the iron-sodium battery is both ready for the market and positioned for early deployment with Southern Company at their Energy Storage Test Site in Wilsonville, Alabama, slated for installation in early 2026. This advancement is particularly timely, given the rapid expansion projected for the energy storage sector, which is expected to surge from $70 billion in 2025 to over $150 billion by 2030. The U.S. Department of Energy has highlighted the necessity for over 225 gigawatts of long-duration energy storage (LDES) by 2050 to meet future energy grid demands, a challenge that current lithium-ion technologies are struggling to address economically.

Inlyte Energy’s innovative battery system, utilizing sodium metal chloride cells, inverter, and control electronics, stands as a beacon of hope for utilities and consumers alike. The tested system is distinguished as the world’s largest of its kind, capable of storing more than 300 kilowatt-hours of energy per unit. Antonio Baclig, the CEO of Inlyte Energy, emphasized the need for advanced technology to ensure affordable, safe, and sustainable energy solutions in the U.S. “We cannot simply replicate existing technologies,” he stated, advocating for solutions that prioritize safety, cost-effectiveness, and longevity.

During the factory test, the battery achieved an impressive 83% round-trip efficiency, surpassing many competitors in the LDES space, which typically exhibit efficiencies ranging from 40% to 70%. This high performance was recognized as a key factor by Southern Company’s research and development team, who witnessed the test and appreciated the integration and performance capabilities of Inlyte's system. Steve Baxley, Senior Manager for energy storage research at Southern Company, noted, “Energy storage is essential for creating a reliable and flexible energy grid. Inlyte’s successful test represents a meaningful step in validating iron-sodium battery technology.”

Now that Inlyte has proven the technical readiness of its product, the company is preparing for the next steps toward commercialization and domestic manufacturing. Plans are being finalized for their first production location in the United States, expected to go live in 2026. A strategic partnership has been formed with HORIEN Salt Battery Solutions, a leader in sodium metal chloride battery production, to enhance manufacturing capabilities and ensure timely delivery of their cutting-edge products to market by 2027.

Inlyte Energy’s vision is clear: to provide safe, sustainable, and domestically manufactured energy storage solutions using simple materials—iron and salt. This innovative approach not only aims to enhance resilience in energy supply but also supports the growing demand for reliable electricity storage solutions across various industries, including utilities, data centers, and critical infrastructure. As the onset of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions draws closer, Inlyte Energy stands at the forefront of this exciting revolution.

For more updates on Inlyte Energy and their innovative iron-sodium battery technology, visit Inlyte Energy's official website.