Ford Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, and EDF Power Solutions North America have signed a five-year framework agreement for the procurement of grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). Under the terms of the deal, EDF Power Solutions has the option to procure up to 4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of Ford’s DC Block BESS units annually, representing a total potential volume of up to 20 GWh over the contract’s term.
The agreement positions Ford Energy as a primary hardware supplier for EDF’s expanding utility-scale storage portfolio across the United States, with initial equipment deliveries scheduled to commence in 2028.
The supply deal highlights the escalating demand for domestically manufactured, utility-grade storage components as grid operators face rising pressure to integrate intermittent renewable energy sources.
The contract centres on the Ford Energy DC Block, a standardised, 20-foot containerised storage enclosure with a rated capacity of $5.45\text{ MWh}$ per unit. Engineered for utility applications such as frequency regulation, energy arbitrage, and peak load shifting, the system features:
- 512 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic cell chemistry.
- Operational availability in both two-hour and four-hour discharge configurations.
- An operating voltage window spanning 1,040 to 1,500 VDC.
- An integrated liquid-cooled thermal management system to regulate cell degradation.
The partnership reflects a strategic pivot by major developers to insulate their supply chains from geopolitical friction and import tariffs by securing multi-year allocations from domestic manufacturing facilities.
“This agreement with EDF Power Solutions validates the market’s need for a BESS supplier that combines industrial-scale manufacturing discipline with full lifecycle accountability,” said Lisa Drake, President of Ford Energy. “We are not simply delivering hardware. We are delivering the kind of predictable quality and long-term operational confidence that grid operators and large-scale developers require.”
Tristan Grimbert, CEO of EDF Power Solutions North America, emphasised that technical traceability was a deciding factor in the procurement selection. “As we continue to expand our energy storage portfolio, supply chain reliability and product quality are paramount,” Grimbert stated. “Ford Energy’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and its rigorous approach to traceability and lifecycle support align with the standards we hold across our portfolio.”
