Ascend Analytics Achieves Milestone with 5 GW of Optimized Battery Storage Assets

Ascend Analytics Reaches a Significant Milestone in Battery Storage Management

In a remarkable achievement, Ascend Analytics, a leading provider of analytics and market intelligence solutions for the power industry, has recently surpassed the management of over 5.2 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage assets using its SmartBidder™ platform. This significant milestone highlights Ascend's role as a pivotal player in the U.S. battery storage market, where it serves more than 30 clients across various regional power markets including ERCOT, CAISO, and PJM.

Ascend's remarkable growth in optimizing battery storage capacity reflects a strong demand for effective energy management strategies as more utilities and power producers integrate battery storage into their operational frameworks. The company’s SmartBidder platform is designed to boost market participation by facilitating optimized bidding strategies for battery storage operators.

Overview of the Achievement

Ascend hit the 5 GW mark during the second quarter of 2026 upon onboarding storage assets from California Community Power and San Diego Community Power. These agencies represent significant efforts in energy management, underpinning their commitment to serve their respective loads efficiently. With approximately 4 GW operating in ERCOT, 1 GW in CAISO, and 200 megawatts (MW) in PJM, the breadth of assets managed by Ascend showcases its expertise in navigating complex market rules and conditions.

Michael Huisenga, Managing Director of Bid Optimization at Ascend Analytics, remarked on this milestone, indicating not only the total capacity managed but also the diversity of battery systems optimized. SmartBidder accommodates a wide array of storage solutions, from smaller 3 MW batteries to larger 300 MW systems, and can handle various operational durations ranging from one hour to eight hours. This versatility is vital as energy market participants are increasingly adopting new asset classes.

The Importance of Effective Bid Optimization

The burgeoning significance of battery storage in the U.S. power system cannot be overstated. As described by Matt Tormollen, CEO of Ascend Analytics, the optimal bidding strategies implemented by SmartBidder play a crucial role in determining the economic viability of these assets. Ascend's approach combines short-term price forecasting with configurable opportunity cost-based bid optimization, facilitating enhanced revenue capture across both day-ahead and real-time markets for energy and ancillary services.

Ascend's SmartBidder solution is particularly noteworthy for its effectiveness in longer-duration storage management. The platform has successfully optimized one of the first eight-hour duration batteries in CAISO and was early to embrace similar technologies in ERCOT. Furthermore, it is one of the few providers offering bid optimization for longer-duration services in PJM, an area primarily dominated by short-duration battery systems.

A Vision for the Future

Looking forward, Ascend Analytics aims to continue its trend of innovation and excellence in the energy sector. The collected data from these large-scale assets enables ongoing improvements in their decision-making platforms, turning real-time performance insights into actionable strategies. With forecasts and insights that back more than $50 billion in project financing assessments, Ascend is increasingly recognized as a go-to provider for stakeholders navigating today's dynamic energy landscape.

In summary, Ascend Analytics' achievement in surpassing 5 GW of battery storage management with SmartBidder epitomizes its strategic foresight and operational excellence in the power industry. As it looks towards the future, the company is set to bolster its market leadership while providing superior solutions to meet evolving energy demands across the country.