BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturing giant, has introduced its groundbreaking “HaoHan” energy storage system, a single-unit DC battery block boasting a record-breaking capacity of 14.5 MWh. Launched on September 18 at the International Digital Energy Expo in Shenzhen, this massive system is poised to redefine utility-scale energy storage and accelerate the transition to next-generation grids globally.
Redefining Utility-Scale Energy Storage with Unprecedented Capacity
The HaoHan system sets a new benchmark in the rapidly evolving utility-scale storage market with its minimum unit capacity of 14.5 MWh, which is more than double the industry norm of 6-7 MWh. This substantial increase in capacity per unit translates into significant advantages for large-scale projects. For a 1 GWh storage plant, the HaoHan system could cut the number of required units by over half, reduce land use by one-third, and decrease cell count by 76%, according to BYD. When configured within a standard 20-foot container, the system delivers 10 MWh, achieving a volumetric energy density of 233 kWh per cubic meter, a 51% increase over the industry average.
The Power of BYD’s Blade Battery Technology
At the core of the HaoHan system is BYD’s self-developed 2,710 Ah Blade Battery cell, touted as the largest energy storage cell in the world. This next-generation cell offers three times the capacity of conventional storage batteries and boasts a cycle life exceeding 10,000 cycles. The Blade Battery utilizes Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, known for its high safety, stability, and long cycle life. Its unique, flatter design enhances space utilization and structural strength, contributing to improved energy density and safety. The Blade Battery has also undergone rigorous safety tests, including the “nail penetration test,” without catching fire or exploding.
The integration of these advanced Blade Batteries is achieved through BYD’s Cell-to-System (CTS) and Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technologies. CTP technology, in particular, eliminates or reduces traditional battery modules, integrating cells directly into the battery pack. This innovation significantly improves space utilization, increases charge capacity, and reduces the overall weight and cost of the battery pack.
Comprehensive Ecosystem for Optimized Performance
Beyond the battery itself, BYD has developed a comprehensive ecosystem to complement the HaoHan system, ensuring optimized performance and seamless grid integration.
Grid-Forming Inverter Solutions
BYD also unveiled its new GC Flux grid-forming inverter solution, covering a 2.5-10 MW capacity range. This inverter reportedly boasts a performance level approximately 38% higher than common industry standards and a maximum power density of 1,474 kW/㎡, which is around 130% above typical values in today’s market. It offers an overload capacity of up to 3x for 10 seconds and achieves a peak efficiency of 99.35%. The GC Flux PCS (Power Conversion System) features advanced grid-forming capabilities, making it ideal for modern grid applications that require millisecond-level response, active inertia response, and ultra-fast voltage and frequency regulation.
Advanced Energy Management System
To intelligently manage these massive storage deployments, BYD introduced its new energy management system, GC Master EMS. This platform is designed for intelligent scheduling and control of ultra-large-scale storage projects. It supports the integration of up to 10 million data points, roughly 25% above common industry benchmarks, and offers single-station capacity management of up to 15 GWh, representing a 400% increase in computing power compared to conventional EMS platforms.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The HaoHan system is designed to significantly reduce the total lifecycle cost per kilowatt-hour to below CNY 0.1 ($0.014), a milestone that could profoundly reshape the economics of large-scale storage. This low levelized cost of storage makes storing energy potentially cheaper than the generation cost for solar power, even for overnight usage. BYD states that the HaoHan can cut project-level levelized costs (LCOS) by 21.7%, and for a typical 1 GWh installation, total costs related to equipment procurement, transportation, and installation are expected to drop by around 30%.
Designed for harsh environments, the system aims to lower system failure rates and maintenance costs by 70%. These economic efficiencies, combined with its high capacity and long cycle life, position the HaoHan system as a critical enabler for greater renewable energy integration and grid stability.
Global Deployment and Future Outlook
BYD plans to deploy the HaoHan system across multiple gigawatt-scale projects by the end of 2025, including a landmark 12.5 GWh installation in Saudi Arabia. This initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims for renewables to account for 50% of the national energy mix by the end of the decade. The company is also accelerating its global expansion, targeting key markets in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, BYD’s technology roadmap includes the integration of liquid cooling, predictive maintenance, and hybrid solar-hydrogen-storage systems. These innovations are aimed at pushing overall system efficiency beyond 95% by 2026, further cementing the company’s position in next-generation utility-scale energy storage solutions. With an accumulated capacity of more than 75 GWh of BESS equipment delivered to over 350 projects in more than 110 countries and regions, BYD is a significant player in the global energy storage market, actively contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
