Michigan BESS Projects Approved to Support Grid Reliability and Data Center Growth

Michigan BESS Projects

Michigan BESS projects received regulatory approval on 27 March, adding 1,332MW of battery energy storage capacity to support grid reliability, renewable power integration and large-load electricity demand. The Michigan Public Service Commission approved six battery energy storage system projects across two major demand areas.

Three of the Michigan BESS projects will provide a combined 1,000MW to support DTE Electric’s integrated resource plan. That plan calls for adding 15,000MW of solar and wind generation in Michigan, making storage capacity essential for balancing intermittent renewable output.

The remaining three projects, totalling 332MW, will support a 1,383MW data center being developed by Green Chile Ventures, an Oracle subsidiary. The storage assets are intended to improve reliability and reduce costs for customers as data center electricity demand rises.

Battery Storage Becomes Critical for Renewable Grid Planning

Battery energy storage systems are becoming a core part of Michigan’s clean power buildout. DTE Electric’s 1,000MW of approved storage will be tied to 20-year tolling agreements, giving the utility more flexibility as solar and wind capacity expands.

This matters because renewable power growth requires fast-response assets that can shift electricity from periods of high generation to periods of high demand. BESS projects can also reduce strain on the grid during peak periods and support more reliable power delivery.

Michigan BESS projects therefore represent more than a backup power investment. They are part of the infrastructure needed to make renewable generation useful at scale and to protect grid stability as electricity demand grows.

Data Center Demand Adds a New Storage Growth Channel

The data center-linked BESS projects show how artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure are reshaping power markets. Green Chile Ventures must develop 1,383MW of energy storage to match the contracted demand of its data center project.

The approved 332MW is only the first phase of that requirement. Green Chile Ventures will bear the costs over 15 years, while DTE Electric will develop, own and operate the facilities.

This structure highlights a wider market trend. Data centers need faster power access, and battery storage can help bridge the gap between project timelines, grid constraints and customer affordability concerns. Michigan already hosts 74 data centers, with Detroit accounting for 32, making power infrastructure an increasingly important competitiveness factor.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Michigan BESS projects show that battery storage is becoming essential infrastructure for both renewable energy and AI-driven data center growth. The next bottleneck will not only be battery supply, but also transformers, grid equipment, copper, aluminium and permitting capacity.

Cordelio Power Acquires 1GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems from Fluence Energy

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Canadian independent power producer Cordelio Power has secured over 1GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) from Fluence Energy, marking a significant move in its energy storage portfolio. This purchase is aimed at supporting several BESS projects in Cordelio's 2026-2027 pipeline, which are expected to contribute to North America's green energy transition.

Strategic Expansion in Battery Energy Storage

Fluence Energy, a prominent US energy storage provider, was chosen by Cordelio Power for its cutting-edge storage technology. Fluence boasts a US-based supply chain, ensuring that no Chinese products are involved, which aligns with Cordelio's commitment to secure and sustainable energy solutions. However, the financial details of this acquisition and the specifics of the upcoming projects remain undisclosed.

Cordelio Power is actively expanding its presence in the energy storage market, focusing on large-scale projects designed to enhance grid stability and support renewable energy sources. The 1GWh purchase will be integral to the successful commissioning of multiple BESS projects scheduled for 2026-2027.

Key Projects in the US Pipeline

In addition to the acquisition of storage systems, Cordelio has secured offtake agreements for two major BESS facilities in the western US. The first is the Greenwater project, a 200MW, 800MWh facility located in Pierce County, Washington. This project will be developed in partnership with Puget Sound Energy. The second is the Pioneer project in Yuma County, Arizona, a larger 300MW, 1,200MWh project, set to be developed in collaboration with Arizona Public Service.

These projects highlight Cordelio's growing role in providing reliable energy storage solutions that complement renewable energy generation, paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy grid.

Falling Battery Costs Drive Longer Duration Energy Storage Expansion

CERAWeek

Shift to LFP chemistry and falling raw material prices boost two-hour-plus BESS projects, but SoC accuracy remains a hurdle.

Lower Battery Costs Accelerate BESS Deployment

Lower battery prices are transforming the energy storage market by enabling more battery energy storage systems (BESS) with longer durations, according to experts at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston. Charlotte Johnson, general manager of InfraFlex (a Kraken unit), stated, "Lower prices have accelerated the deployment of BESS of two hours and more, rather than the one-hour systems."

Battery cells represent about 50% of total project costs, while the remainder goes to labor, operations, and maintenance. As battery cell costs fall, project developers are increasingly building longer-duration BESS to meet grid flexibility and renewable integration needs.

LFP Batteries Drive Cost Cuts but Add Challenges

The price drop stems largely from falling battery raw material costs and a rapid shift to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry. LFP cells are cheaper and more stable than nickel-based alternatives, making them ideal for utility-scale BESS projects.

However, panelists warned of a drawback: LFP systems have less predictable state of charge (SoC) behavior. Inaccurate SoC readings complicate real-time optimization and revenue maximization for grid operators and energy traders.

Outlook: Market Growth Continues Amid Technical Hurdles

While SoC monitoring remains a challenge, the economic advantages of LFP and longer-duration storage outweigh the downsides for now. Developers and technology providers are focusing on improving SoC management tools and software to unlock greater value from low-cost, longer-duration systems.

Australia Invests $63 Million in Neoen’s Renewable Energy Projects

Neoen

The Australian government has committed A$100 million ($63.2 million) in funding to French renewable energy producer, Neoen, to support the development of three large-scale renewable energy and battery storage projects in Australia. This investment reflects Australia's ongoing push to expand its renewable energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Focus on Battery Storage and Solar Power

The three projects in question include:

1. A 341MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Western Australia.
2. A 270MW BESS in Queensland.
3. A 440MW peak solar farm in New South Wales.

These projects, which are still under development, aim to enhance Australia's energy security by integrating large-scale storage solutions with renewable energy generation. The Western Australia BESS is particularly significant as it will be an extension of the already operational Collie Battery Energy Storage System, which stores and discharges 219MW of power. Once both parts of the Collie system are fully operational, they will support up to 20% of the state's average energy needs.

Neoen’s New South Wales solar farm, known as the Culcairn Solar Farm, is scheduled to begin generating 800 GWh/year by 2026, covering an area of 1,000 hectares. While a BESS at the site is a possibility, Neoen has yet to make any official announcements regarding that development.

Role of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), a state-owned green investment fund, is providing the funding to Neoen. The CEFC has already been involved in funding a total of 2.3GW worth of battery storage projects across Australia, playing a crucial role in the country's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy grid.

Australia’s Renewable Energy Growth

Renewable energy generation has surged across Australia, now accounting for 25% of the country’s total power generation in 2023, up from 17% in 2017. During the same period, the combined share of gas and coal in power generation fell from 81% to 63%. This shift aligns with the government’s broader climate goals, including decarbonizing the energy sector and ensuring energy resilience.

The funding commitment to Neoen comes just a day after the Australian government allocated A$14.1 million to GrainCorp and Ampol to promote the development of sustainable aviation fuels and renewable diesel.

Samsung SDI BESS Supply Deal Strengthens US Energy Storage Battery Chain

Samsung SDI BESS

Samsung SDI BESS supply deal activity is accelerating in the US as demand for grid-scale battery storage continues to rise. The South Korean battery manufacturer has secured a 1.5 trillion won, or about $1 billion, contract to supply BESS batteries to a US energy company over four years.

The Samsung SDI BESS supply deal will run from 2026 to 2029. The batteries will be supplied in phases, supporting the rapid buildout of US battery energy storage systems as utilities, renewable developers, and infrastructure operators seek more flexible power capacity.

The agreement also strengthens Samsung SDI’s US manufacturing strategy. The batteries will be produced at StarPlus Energy’s plant in Indiana, a joint venture between Samsung SDI and Stellantis.

Indiana Production Links Battery Storage to Domestic Manufacturing

The StarPlus Energy facility gives Samsung SDI a local production base for the US energy storage market. This matters because US customers increasingly value domestic or regionally anchored battery supply chains, especially for energy infrastructure projects.

Initial deliveries will use nickel-cobalt-aluminum batteries. This chemistry gives Samsung SDI a route to serve early BESS demand while preparing for broader chemistry diversification.

Later expansion will include lithium iron phosphate batteries. LFP batteries are becoming more important in stationary storage because cost, safety, cycle life, and scale matter more than maximum energy density in many grid applications.

LFP Expansion Signals a Wider Shift in US BESS Demand

The Samsung SDI BESS supply deal follows another major LFP agreement signed last December with an unnamed US energy infrastructure company. That earlier contract was valued at two trillion won, or about $1.33 billion.

Together, the deals show that Samsung SDI is moving more aggressively into the US battery energy storage systems market. The company is no longer positioned only around electric vehicle batteries, but also around grid storage and power infrastructure.

This shift has important materials implications. BESS growth will increase demand for lithium, iron phosphate materials, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, copper, graphite, separators, electrolytes, and power electronics. It will also intensify competition among Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and US-linked battery supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Samsung SDI’s latest contract confirms that US battery demand is shifting from EV-only growth toward a broader energy infrastructure cycle. For battery makers, chemistry flexibility and local production are becoming as important as scale itself.

Canadian Solar Battery Storage Guidance Jumps 21% on Data Center Demand

Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar battery storage shipments guidance for 2025 surged 21% as the renewable energy company capitalizes on growing demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. The company now expects utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) deliveries to reach 7-9 GWh in 2025, reflecting strong market fundamentals despite challenging industry conditions.

Data Centers Drive Battery Storage Market Growth

Canadian Solar battery storage business benefits from accelerating digitalization trends requiring reliable backup power solutions. Data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities increasingly demand large-scale energy storage to ensure operational continuity and manage power costs. The company's revised guidance includes approximately 1 GWh designated for its own renewable energy projects.

Meanwhile, Canadian Solar secured a significant contract with Chilean utility Colbún in April. The deal involves supplying a 228MW/912MWh lithium iron phosphate BESS in Chile's Atacama Region. This project demonstrates the company's ability to compete for major utility-scale installations in key Latin American markets.

Industry Headwinds Impact Financial Performance

However, Canadian Solar faces mounting challenges affecting profitability across its operations. Geopolitical uncertainty reduces business visibility while oversupply and fierce competition pressure margins throughout the renewable energy sector. These factors contributed to deteriorating financial results in the first quarter.

Therefore, the company reported a $76.6 million net loss in Q1 2025, contrasting sharply with $36.2 million net income in the prior year period. Seasonally lower BESS sales and trade-related duties further compressed margins during the quarter.

Q2 Recovery Expected Despite Market Pressures

Canadian Solar battery storage shipments totaled 0.8 GWh in Q1 but management expects significant improvement ahead. The company projects 2.4-2.6 GWh in BESS deliveries during the second quarter, indicating strong sequential growth momentum.

As a result, Canadian Solar positions itself to benefit from structural demand growth in energy storage markets. The company's focus on utility-scale projects and strategic partnerships with major utilities supports its optimistic 2025 outlook despite near-term profitability challenges.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Canadian Solar's upgraded BESS guidance reflects the energy storage sector's rapid evolution driven by digital infrastructure expansion and grid modernization needs. While the company navigates challenging market conditions including oversupply and trade tensions, its strategic positioning in high-growth segments like data center storage creates compelling long-term value propositions for investors and industry stakeholders.

Hithium and Samsung C&T Join Forces for 10GWh BESS Projects

Hithium

Hithium, a manufacturer of battery energy storage systems (BESS), has announced a partnership with Samsung C&T, a South Korean engineering and construction firm. The collaboration aims to pursue multiple global energy storage projects with a combined capacity of up to 10GWh.

Hithium's Expanding Global Presence

Hithium has a strong track record, having delivered over 50GWh of BESS products in China and Eastern Europe.  The company recently entered the Australian market with a 640MWh project in partnership with utility-scale renewable energy developer Lightsource BP. 

While the specific timeline for the newly announced projects with Samsung C&T was not disclosed, this partnership signifies a major expansion of Hithium's global footprint.  Hithium Tech USA, a subsidiary of Hithium, is also investing $100 million in a new battery module and energy storage assembly plant in Mesquite, Texas. This facility will have a production capacity of 10GWh per year.

TotalEnergies to Supply 1GWh of BESS to Japan

Gurin Energy

Saft to Power Fukushima’s Energy Transition

TotalEnergies subsidiary Saft will supply over 1GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for Gurin Energy’s renewable project in Japan. The system will include integrated lithium-ion batteries, power conversion units, and energy management platforms. Saft will also oversee installation, commissioning, and servicing, ensuring long-term operational reliability.

The BESS will be deployed in Fukushima Prefecture, delivering 240MW of power in four-hour cycles. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, marking one of Japan’s largest single-site BESS installations. This development highlights Japan’s efforts to stabilize its renewable power grid and enhance supply reliability.

Supporting Japan’s Renewable and Carbon Goals

Japan is targeting 40–50pc renewables in its power generation mix by 2040, up from 27pc today. The country also aims to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050. Advanced storage solutions like Saft’s BESS are critical to balancing intermittent wind and solar generation.

Meanwhile, large-scale deployments like this project show how international partnerships can accelerate Japan’s clean energy transition. By supporting flexible storage capacity, TotalEnergies and Gurin Energy contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels while strengthening grid resilience.

The Metalnomist Commentary

TotalEnergies’ 1GWh BESS project in Fukushima illustrates the growing convergence of global energy players and local renewable developers. Japan’s aggressive carbon neutrality roadmap depends on scalable storage solutions, and this deal positions Saft as a key technology supplier. Investors should watch for how such projects influence Asia’s broader grid modernization strategies.

Energy Vault and Jupiter Boost Texas Battery Storage Capacity

Energy Vault

Expanding Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage in Texas

Energy Vault and Jupiter Power will add 100MW/200MWh of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the Texas grid. The expansion builds on an existing 100MW/200MWh facility at a Jupiter site in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region, which is expected to begin commercial operations by late summer 2025.

The two companies have collaborated since signing a September 2022 deal to fast-track 2.4GWh of domestically qualified BESS. By increasing battery capacity, they aim to strengthen grid resilience, particularly in response to extreme weather events that have tested ERCOT’s stability in recent years.

Scaling Production and Supply Chain Integration

Austin-based Jupiter Power is developing 12GW of utility-scale energy storage projects across the United States, from California to Maine. In June 2024, Jupiter secured a 3GWh battery supply deal with China’s HiTHIUM, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025. HiTHIUM is also establishing a 10GWh-per-year battery modules and systems plant in Mesquite, Texas, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacity for large-scale storage projects.

The BESS expansion reflects growing demand for reliable renewable integration, enabling the grid to balance supply and demand more efficiently. By partnering with manufacturers and scaling local production, Energy Vault and Jupiter are positioning themselves as key players in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient US power grid.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Energy Vault–Jupiter expansion underscores the accelerating deployment of large-scale storage to meet renewable integration challenges. The addition of domestic battery production in Texas could reduce supply chain risks and ensure faster deployment timelines. Success will depend on how efficiently these assets can be integrated into ERCOT’s operational framework.

Rivian Second-Life Battery Storage Project Links EV Packs to Grid Reliability

Rivian, Redwood

Rivian second-life battery storage is moving into commercial use after the US electric-vehicle maker agreed to deploy repurposed battery packs through Redwood Materials at its Normal manufacturing plant in Illinois. The project will use more than 100 used Rivian battery packs to provide 10 MWh of dispatchable battery energy storage.

The Rivian second-life battery storage project gives retired EV packs a second use before recycling. Redwood Materials will integrate the packs into a Redwood Energy system for on-site use at Rivian’s manufacturing facility.

Rivian second-life battery storage also reflects a wider shift in the battery value chain. Automakers and recyclers are looking for ways to extract more value from battery packs before recovering lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, aluminium and other materials.

Redwood Turns Used EV Packs Into Stationary Storage

Redwood will receive EV battery packs from Rivian and convert them into a battery energy storage system for the Normal plant. The system will help reduce energy costs and support local grid reliability.

Second-life batteries are useful because EV packs can still retain meaningful capacity after vehicle use. They may no longer meet automotive performance requirements, but they can still serve stationary storage applications.

This creates a bridge between mobility and grid infrastructure. A battery pack can first support vehicle electrification, then provide stationary power, and later enter recycling for critical material recovery.

Redwood receives more than 20 GWh/yr of batteries, giving it a large feedstock base for both reuse and recycling. The company said it can deploy BESS projects in as little as six months, which matters as power demand rises quickly.

Data Center Power Demand Raises Storage Value

Rivian has attracted investors such as Google, which are seeking faster access to power solutions for artificial intelligence data center growth. This connection shows why second-life batteries are becoming more strategically relevant.

AI data centers need reliable, flexible and rapidly deployable power. Battery energy storage systems can help manage peak demand, improve resilience and reduce pressure on grids facing new large-load connections.

Repurposed EV batteries could become a lower-cost option where speed matters more than maximum energy density. They may also reduce waste and delay the need for immediate material recycling.

For the metals supply chain, this creates a more circular model. Battery materials stay in productive use longer, while recyclers build stronger long-term access to end-of-life packs and future recovered metals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Rivian and Redwood are showing how EV batteries can become grid assets before they become recycling feedstock. The strategic value lies in extending battery life, lowering storage costs and securing future material recovery in one integrated loop.

Codelco Secures 1.5TWh of Renewable Energy to Power Copper Operations

Codelco

Chilean copper giant advances toward 100% clean energy target

Chilean copper producer Codelco signed two major renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 1.5TWh annually, supporting its goal of achieving a 100% clean energy matrix by 2030. The deals highlight Codelco’s commitment to sustainable copper production through long-term renewable energy sourcing.

New PPAs cover full operations and future demand

The first PPA grants 1TWh/year to Generadora Metropolitana, a joint venture between France’s EDF and Chile’s AME. The second assigns 0.5TWh/year to GR Power Chile, backed by Spain’s Grenergy. These agreements will begin in January 2026 and run through December 2040. They will supply power across Codelco’s mining divisions and cover future expansions.

Grenergy confirmed the energy will come from hybrid projects, including the 340MW Monte Aguilar photovoltaic plant and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Biobio region. The agreement guarantees 24/7 electricity availability.

Codelco deepens clean energy strategy

This follows Codelco’s previous 2024 PPAs totaling 1.8TWh/year signed with Colbun, Atlas Renewable Energy, and Innergex. Together, these efforts support Chile’s broader decarbonization goals while ensuring energy security for one of the world’s most critical copper producers.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Codelco’s strategic shift to clean energy solidifies Chile’s role in low-carbon copper supply. These PPAs also reflect the global mining sector’s accelerating push toward sustainability amid growing ESG expectations.