South Korean battery giant Samsung SDI has signed a new agreement to supply the US with one gigawatt-hour (GWh) of batteries that have 17 percent higher energy density and a lifespan of 25 years.
As part of the collaboration, the Yongin-based company will supply its Samsung Battery Box (SBB) 1.7 to Alpha Omega Power (AOP), a battery energy storage system (BESS) specialist, in Houston. The fully integrated ESS solution integrates nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) batteries.
According to Samsung SDI, the systems are reportedly being used in energy projects in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power markets. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.
All battery cells and modules are manufactured at the StarPlus Energy facility in Kokomo, Indiana. The website is a joint venture between Stellantis NV and Samsung SDI. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Higher energy density
The 6.14 megawatt (MW) container system delivers a 17 percent higher energy density than its predecessor, the SBB 1.5. Additionally, it maintains the same 20-foot container footprint and is based on high nickel-cobalt-alumina (NCA) cells.
The upgrade is expected to increase storage capacity without taking up more space. According to Samsung SDI, the system features Enhanced Direct Injection (EDI) technology, which sprays fire extinguishing agent directly into the battery modules.
It also includes AI-based algorithms to detect potential failures early and predict battery life, and leverages the company’s prismatic battery technology, known as PrismStack, which is designed for high durability and safety.
Photo credit: Samsung SDI
Prismatic batteries are housed in rigid rectangular enclosures that provide structural protection for the battery cells. Samsung SDI noted that its prismatic technology has helped the company meet the strict safety and performance requirements of US energy companies.
In addition, the SBB 1.7 is designed for continuous use of 25 years and is therefore also suitable for long-term network storage applications. “With our differentiated technology and local manufacturing capabilities, we will continue to expand our business base and strengthen our position in the North American ESS market,” said Fabrice Hudry, president of the ESS division of Samsung SDI America.
Expand storage capacity
Samsung SDI emphasized that the system meets important security requirements. This includes NFPA 855, which covers stationary energy storage systems, and UL 9540, a safety standard for energy storage systems.
The latest contract builds on a previous agreement between Samsung SDI and Alpha Omega Power, signed in late 2025. Together, the two contracts cover 1.5 GWh of energy storage systems, all manufactured at the Indiana facility.
The batteries will help AOP meet the country’s growing energy needs. “SAMSUNG SDI’s US-made ESS will play an important role in AOP’s continued growth,” said Paul Choi, CEO of AOP. “This second agreement strengthens our domestic supply chain and supports the next generation of energy infrastructure.”
“Alpha Omega Power is one of the country’s fastest-growing independent power producers and a sophisticated operator with whom we want to partner to address grid reliability challenges,” Hudry concluded in a press release.
