Chinese energy storage manufacturer and BNEF Tier 1 supplier offering C&I and utility-scale BESS. Full-stack self-developed systems including BMS, EMS, and cloud platform.
CATL-ATL joint venture specializing in residential, C&I, and data center energy storage. Uses proprietary Kunlun LFP cells with 15,000-cycle lifespan and pioneered mass-produced semi-solid-state LFP cells with 32 GWh annual production capacity.
Chinese Tier 1 LFP cell manufacturer listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Produces high-capacity LFP cells and containerized BESS for utility-scale energy storage with 100 GWh annual capacity.
World's largest BESS battery maker by shipped capacity, vertically integrated from LFP cells to containerised DC blocks. TENER claims zero degradation.
Chinese state-owned rolling stock and energy group, ranked #3 globally in BESS integration by market share. Offers liquid-cooled containerized energy storage systems.
Canadian-Chinese solar and energy storage company with dedicated e-STORAGE subsidiary. Manufactures own LFP cells and utility-scale SolBank DC block systems.
Subsidiary of Hengxin Auto Group, ranked top 7 globally in ESS battery shipments. LFP cells (100–588Ah) and DC blocks up to 6.26 MWh. Datasheets available.
Tier 1 cell maker running the world's largest dedicated BESS factory at 60 GWh in Jingmen. LFP cells including the 628Ah Mr Big, plus DC block containers.
Top 4 global BESS integrator (Wood Mackenzie) and BloombergNEF Tier 1 manufacturer with 30+ GWh deployed across 300+ projects. Gen 8 Scalable Platform features proprietary 750Ah+ LFP cells in modular 10-foot units supporting 6-12+ MWh configurations with 440+ Wh/L energy density.
Chinese lithium mining and battery group with vertically integrated BESS division. Over 21 GWh deployed globally, offering LFP cells and containerized energy storage systems up to 10 MWh.
Chinese battery manufacturer listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (300438) with 8 production bases and capacity exceeding 100 GWh. Produces LFP cells and utility-scale BESS systems.
Chinese energy storage manufacturer and BNEF Tier 1 supplier, ranked among China's top 3 C&I storage providers. Full-stack self-developed systems with 3S integration.
Energy storage division of JinkoSolar and BNEF Tier 1 manufacturer, offering utility-scale and C&I battery energy storage systems built on in-house LFP cell technology. SunTera containers deliver up to 6.25 MWh per 20ft unit with 10,000+ cycle life.
Tier 1 battery maker and major BESS cell supplier, moving into LFP for utility storage alongside NMC. Gigafactories in Korea, Poland, the USA and China.
Chinese smart grid and energy storage company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Offers liquid-cooled battery containers, energy storage cabinets, and integrated EMS platforms.
Swiss-headquartered energy storage company manufacturing LFP-based BESS solutions in Turkey. Product range spans utility-scale DC containers and MV skids to commercial AC cabinets.
Vertically integrated energy storage company manufacturing LFP cells (280Ah to 783Ah solid-state) and containerized BESS up to 8.3 MWh per unit. Over 8 GWh installed globally across 40+ countries with 260+ safety certifications and pioneering solid-state battery technology.
US-based BESS company (Mitsubishi Power and EES joint venture) offering integrated energy storage platforms. Over 6 GWh deployed across 35+ utility-scale projects.
Leading modular LFP battery system manufacturer for C&I and utility-scale BESS. Container-based L-series and PowerCube rack systems are deployed across European and APAC markets.
Chinese BESS manufacturer offering modular cabinet and container energy storage from 120 kWh to 5 MWh, standalone PCS, and smart microgrid controllers.
BloombergNEF Tier 1 energy storage manufacturer that expanded from solar into comprehensive BESS solutions through subsidiary SYL Battery. Offers vertically integrated products spanning LFP cells, modules, PCS, and containerized systems with 15 GWh+ annual production capacity.
French battery manufacturer and TotalEnergies subsidiary specializing in high-reliability BESS for industrial and grid applications. Intensium Max+ is their flagship utility-scale BESS container.
Chinese publicly listed smart energy company specializing in PV inverters and energy storage systems. Manufactures utility-scale PCS and battery containers (ORI series) as well as commercial and industrial integrated storage solutions.
BloombergNEF Tier 1 energy storage manufacturer with vertically integrated LFP cell production (102Ah to 684Ah) and containerized BESS systems. NoahX 3.0 delivers 6.528 MWh per 20ft container with 15,000+ cycle life and AI-based active balancing.
Chinese cable and energy group offering utility-scale liquid-cooled BESS containers with self-developed integrated PCS. Active in energy storage since 2012.
Chinese BESS manufacturer specializing in PCS, battery packs, BMS, and complete energy storage systems. Top 10 Chinese utility-scale BESS OEM supplier with 100+ large-scale projects installed globally.
A DC block is a self-contained unit that combines battery modules, racks, a BMS, and integrated thermal management into a ready-to-deploy DC assembly. In utility-scale BESS, multiple DC blocks connect to a centralized or distributed PCS (power conversion system) that converts DC to grid-compatible AC. The DC block is the level at which procurement teams evaluate energy capacity, system integration complexity, and long-term degradation behavior — and it represents the single largest line item in BESS CAPEX.
Most utility-scale DC blocks use LFP cell chemistry in container or cabinet form factors with 4–9+ MWh capacity. Liquid cooling is now standard for multi-megawatt-hour projects — it enables more uniform cell temperatures and higher power densities than air cooling.
Key Specifications
What to look for when evaluating DC blocks
When shortlisting for a BESS project, these are the key technical specifications that EPC contractors, project developers, and system integrators typically evaluate:
C-rate
0.25C – 1C
C-rate determines maximum charge/discharge power relative to capacity. Higher C-rates (≥0.5C) enable revenue stacking; lower C-rates (0.25C) optimize for slower cycling and lower degradation.
Energy capacity
4 – 9+ MWh
Energy capacity per DC block directly affects site footprint, cabling complexity, and cost. Larger blocks reduce the number of units and BoP connections needed.
Chemistry
LFP dominant
LFP is the standard chemistry for utility-scale DC blocks due to safety and cycle life. Some manufacturers offer NMC variants for applications where energy density is critical.
Round-trip efficiency
85 – 95%
Measured at DC block level (AC-side RTE includes additional PCS and transformer losses). Higher efficiency improves LCOS and arbitrage economics.
Cooling method
Liquid or air cooling
Liquid cooling enables higher power densities and more uniform cell temperatures. Air cooling is simpler but increasingly being replaced by liquid cooling at utility scale.
Certifications
UL 9540A, IEC 62619
UL 9540A evaluates system-level fire propagation behavior. IEC 62619 addresses battery cell safety. Regional requirements may mandate additional standards.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a DC block and an AC block?
A DC block delivers direct current and must be paired with an external PCS (power conversion system) to convert to grid-compatible AC. An AC block integrates PCS and battery into a single unit and delivers AC directly. DC blocks offer more flexibility in system architecture and are preferred for most utility-scale projects, while AC blocks simplify integration and are more common in smaller C&I applications.
Why do most utility-scale BESS projects use DC blocks?
DC blocks allow project developers and EPC contractors to select PCS vendors and battery manufacturers independently, and optimize system architecture (centralized vs. distributed) for specific project requirements. This modularity improves procurement negotiation leverage, simplifies warranty-period replacements, and enables more cost-effective augmentation over the project lifetime.
What certifications should a DC block have?
The two most commonly required certifications are UL 9540A (test method for evaluating system-level fire propagation) and IEC 62619 (safety requirements for industrial lithium-ion batteries). Depending on region and off-taker, additional standards may be required, including UN 38.3 (transport), IEC 62477 (power electronics safety), IP rating assessments, and project-specific fire protection requirements.
How does DC block capacity affect project costs?
Larger DC blocks (e.g. 5+ MWh per unit) reduce the total number of units needed for a project, which lowers cabling, BoP, and installation costs. However, larger units require heavier lifting equipment for transport and placement. Procurement teams should balance DC block size against site logistics, foundation requirements, and augmentation strategy.
