Samsung SDI has taken the lead in a major energy storage system bidding round. The company secured six of the eight projects available, thanks to its advanced battery tech and strong safety innovations.
The government opened bidding for large-scale ESS projects across several provinces. Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and SK On competed for contracts worth nearly 1 trillion won. However, Samsung SDI stood out by using advanced battery tech and securing 2,790 MWh of the total 3,240 MWh capacity.
The evaluation prioritized more than just pricing. It gave 40 percent weight to non-price factors such as technological capability and industry contribution. Samsung SDI scored highest due to its advanced battery tech and local production strengths.
The company featured its third-generation thermal safety system in its bid. This “enhanced direct injection” method sprays extinguishing fluid through internal pipes, cooling the battery quickly. It stops heat from spreading to other cells, making it safer than earlier systems.
Most of Samsung SDI’s battery cells come from its Ulsan plant. This domestic supply chain gave it a strong advantage. The Samsung Battery Box product has also earned international safety certifications, supporting its reliability.
Interestingly, Samsung SDI used nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) batteries in its proposal. However, these offer high capacity but are more costly than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. While LFP cells are becoming more common, Samsung’s focus on advanced battery tech helped it outperform competitors.
LG Energy Solution won two projects in this round. It used LFP battery cells and recently began mass production in Michigan. SK On, despite new product development, did not win any bids this time.
In conclusion, the first-round results will become final if no challenges arise. A second round of ESS bidding will take place later this year. Officials will release the new project details soon.
