Fortescue's Elysia expands battery intelligence capability with US acquisition

Fortescue has announced the acquisition of Zitara Technologies, a US-based company specialising in onsite precision control solutions for battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The company says the investment will enhance the capabilities of Fortescue’s battery intelligence software, Elysia, by combining its existing cloud-based products with onsite systems for battery electric storage.

For Fortescue’s BESS customers, this is said to unlock a combination of cloud analytics paired with real-time on-premises controls to maximise trading revenue, asset lifetime and safety. The company says it aims to create one of the fastest-growing enterprises in battery intelligence, purpose-built to serve grid-scale storage operators.

“The acquisition of Zitara will expand the capabilities of our battery intelligence division, bringing together world-class cloud analytics with real-time on-premises controls, complementing the existing work of Elysia and strengthening our position in the battery energy storage market,” said Elysia Managing Director Tim Engstrom. “Integrating real-time onsite control systems with Elysia’s proven analytics gives us a unique, globally scalable platform. This positions Fortescue at the cutting edge of battery intelligence and supports our mission to accelerate decarbonisation across industry profitably.”

Fortescue says it will be among the first globally to take advantage of the full suite of battery intelligence offerings through live deployment on its large-scale BESS installations in the Pilbara, Australia. The company is rolling out 4–5 GWh of storage systems that will be required to provide critical grid stability to decarbonise its iron ore operations by 2030.

The deal also further builds on Fortescue’s presence in key global BESS markets, including the United States of America, Australia and Europe, regions expected to more than double to over 500 GWh combined in the next five years.

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