Swiss data centre operator NTS Colocation AG is partnering with US-based battery manufacturer Inlyte Energy to deploy 2 megawatts of iron-sodium battery capacity by 2028. This collaboration will commence with a pilot project at the company’s data centre located in Bern, Switzerland. The initial phase of the partnership includes a 600kWh installation scheduled for commissioning by the end of this year.
NTS Colocation operates high-performance data centres in Zurich and Bern, focusing on the use of renewable energy and integrating waste heat recovery systems. The pilot installation in Bern aims to validate the operational capabilities of Inlyte’s technology within an active data centre environment. This phase will assess both the system’s performance and its compatibility with the existing electrical and control systems. Successful validation by the end of 2026 could lead to broader implementation across NTS’s facilities, positioning iron-sodium storage as a vital component of the company’s long-term energy strategy.
Inlyte has pointed out several challenges associated with traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery energy storage systems (BESS), such as fire safety risks and complex permitting processes for indoor installations. Additionally, Li-ion systems face limitations regarding separation and containment requirements, which can restrict deployment options. Diesel generators, commonly used for backup power, present their own set of disadvantages including noise pollution, local air contaminants, and ongoing maintenance needs that complicate operations and interfere with sustainability goals.
Inlyte Energy is expanding its BESS solutions for both utility-scale and commercial sectors, offering a unique “3-in-1 solution.” This approach provides efficient daily load levelling, low-cost, flexible backup for over 24 hours, and high-performance uninterruptible power supply (UPS) capabilities. The technology is designed to eliminate fire risks and deliver long-duration energy storage (LDES), enhancing operational stability while enabling facilities to manage demand and reduce peak loads.
The context in Switzerland also includes rising grid fees, limited land availability, and stringent permitting regulations. The updated EU Energy Efficiency Directive mandates that data centres disclose their fossil fuel consumption, including diesel utilized for backup generators. While there is no outright ban on diesel, operators are increasingly exploring cleaner and more efficient alternatives to improve grid performance.
During a recent demonstration with representatives from Southern Company, Inlyte showcased modules that exceed 300kWh in storage capacity. These units are touted as the largest sodium metal chloride (SMC) battery cells ever constructed. Antonio Baclig, CEO of Inlyte, emphasized the company’s significant advancements in SMC battery technology, citing a “breakthrough” in cathode material development that enhances safety and durability, allowing the batteries to function effectively in extreme temperature conditions.
In June 2025, the US Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding of up to US$15 million for three different storage technologies, including a collaboration with Inlyte. This initiative aims to develop and demonstrate an iron and sodium-based LDES system at the Alliance Redwoods site in Occidental, California, enhancing energy resilience in that area.
Looking ahead, the B-Vault FlexGrid programme is set to launch in December 2025, targeting commercial and industrial customers. In September 2025, a 1MWh system will operate alongside a pre-existing 50kW solar photovoltaic installation, demonstrating its capabilities in an island mode, particularly in powering electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
This partnership highlights a significant step towards integrating innovative energy storage solutions in data centres, aligning with global sustainability initiatives while addressing the complex challenges of modern energy demands.
