Sep 26, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Navigant Research Names ViZn Energy and Sumitomo Electric Leading Vendors of Non-Lithium Ion Batteries for Grid Storage

A new Leaderboard Report from Navigant Research examines the strategy and execution of 13 vendors of non-lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for grid storage.

Despite the popularity they’ve gained in the last couple years—thanks to increases in manufacturing capacity and sales volumes from the complementary electric vehicle industry—Li-ion batteries are not well-suited for all stationary storage applications. Many non-Li-ion battery technology providers, ranging from startups to well-established corporations, are recognizing an opportunity to capture a piece of the industry by offering alternative technologies such as flow batteries, advanced lead-acid batteries, and zinc-based batteries. Click to tweet: According to a new Leaderboard report from @NavigantRSRCH, in terms of strategy and execution, ViZn Energy and Sumitomo Electric are the leading vendors of non-Li-ion batteries for grid storage.

“The leaders that have emerged in this market have been able to leverage either the low cost of their technology, the strong technical capabilities of their products, or their financial strength and industry experience to win new projects,” says Alex Eller, research analyst at Navigant Research. “However, despite the advantages of these technologies, Li-ion batteries have significant momentum in storage markets worldwide. Any companies with competing technologies must continually reduce costs and hone their strategy to capitalize on the advantages their technologies pose.”

The grid energy storage industry is projected to maintain its global pattern of rapid growth over the coming years, according to the report. As the market develops further, companies that define strategies and look to grow their capabilities now will be best positioned for success.

The report, Navigant Research Leaderboard: Non-Lithium Ion Batteries for Grid Storage, evaluates the Strategy and Execution of 13 leading non-Li-ion battery energy storage providers. These companies are rated on 12 criteria: vision; go-to-market strategy; partners; production strategy; technology; geographic reach; sales, marketing, and distribution; product performance; product quality and reliability; product portfolio; pricing; and staying power. Using Navigant Research’s proprietary Leaderboard methodology, vendors are profiled, rated, and ranked with the goal of providing industry participants with an objective assessment of these companies’ relative strengths and weaknesses in the global market for non-Li-ion batteries for grid energy storage. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy, and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Navigant Research Leaderboard: Non-Lithium Ion Batteries for Grid Storage, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.