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Battery Powerhouse Takes Aim at US Market

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Established manufacturing footprint, new technology: SK On's US BESS market strategy

Rob Schnell presenting SK On at the recent ACP CleanPower 2026 conference in Texas, US. Image: Sk On.

SK On's North America president tells ESN Premium about the battery company's vertically integrated push for market share across the US.

"It's easy to have the battery technology, but to scale it for what you need, to support the demand that's out there, it's hard to do," says Rob Schnell, SK On's North America president. "We've done it, and we've proven that."

Speaking to ESN Premium in an exclusive interview, Schnell discusses the South Korean tech company's latest battery energy storage system (BESS) product launch and its strategy for taking market share in the growing US market.

In addition to a range of new features and the flexible configuration of its second-generation Grid On BESS solution, Schnell says SK On's "establishing manufacturing footprint" makes the company "well-positioned" to capture market share even as competition heats up.

SK On is one of the leading battery companies in the world, with a reputation for delivering high-quality products and innovative solutions. The company has been investing heavily in its US operations, including the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Ohio, which is set to be completed by the end of 2026.

"We're not just a technology company; we're also a manufacturing company," Schnell explains. "We've got the capability to make our own batteries and components, and that gives us a big advantage when it comes to scaling up."

This vertically integrated approach has allowed SK On to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers and improve the overall quality of its products.

"It's not just about having the technology; it's about being able to scale it," Schnell emphasizes. "We're not just talking about making batteries for electric vehicles; we're talking about making batteries that can support the entire grid."

SK On is also investing heavily in research and development, with a focus on developing new technologies and products that can help meet the growing demand for energy storage.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our technology and make it more efficient," Schnell says. "We're working on some exciting new projects that we think will really make a difference."

One of the key areas SK On is focusing on is the development of its lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which offers a number of advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries.

"LFP has some real benefits," Schnell explains. "It's safer, it's more environmentally friendly, and it's cheaper to produce. We're seeing a lot of interest in LFP from our customers, and we're working hard to develop new products that can take advantage of these benefits."

SK On is also investing heavily in fire safety, with the company developing new technologies and procedures designed to reduce the risk of fires breaking out in its batteries.

"Fire safety is a top priority for us," Schnell emphasizes. "We're doing everything we can to make sure our batteries are safe and reliable. We've got a team of experts working on this issue, and we're confident that we'll be able to deliver some real innovations in the future."

As SK On looks to the future, it's clear that the company is well-positioned to continue its growth and success.

"We're excited about what the future holds," Schnell says. "We've got a great team, a strong product lineup, and a solid business strategy. We're confident that we'll be able to continue delivering for our customers and making a real impact in the industry."

In this exclusive interview with ESN Premium, Rob Schnell, SK On's North America president, provides insight into the company's latest BESS product launch, its vertically integrated approach, and its plans for growth and innovation.