US firm's 200 kW iron-salt battery can operate in extreme heat

California-based Inlyte Energy is deploying a pioneering 200 kW / 4 MWh iron-sodium battery system at the Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds in Sonoma County, a high wildfire risk area. Paired with a planned 570 kW solar array, this non-flammable battery technology—built from abundant, inexpensive iron and sodium—can operate reliably in extreme heat, offering long-duration backup power without diesel reliance. The system aims to enhance wildfire resilience, reduce electricity costs by up to $300,000 annually, and maintain critical operations during grid outages, thereby improving public safety in a critical evacuation zone. Supported by a $4.1 million U.S. Department of Energy grant and developed with Vital Energy Solutions, the project includes third-party performance validation by the Electric Power Research Institute and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. Scheduled for operation in 2027, the microgrid solution addresses the growing need for fire-safe, resilient, and cost-effective energy storage in high-risk areas. Stakeholders highlight the