# The battery boom behind the AI buildout [partner content]

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2026-10-27
- Length: 29m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content

## Summary

FlexGen CEO Kelsey Pegler and COO Hugh Scott explain how the urgent power demands of AI data centers have transformed battery storage from an optional component into a critical infrastructure requirement. They discuss how data centers are using large-scale battery systems to manage extreme power fluctuations from high-density chips, secure grid interconnections, and enable hybrid microgrids. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional UPS solutions to containerized lithium-ion and alternative chemistry batteries, emphasizing the role of software in optimizing performance and extending asset life.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=2) Introduction: The AI Power Crisis and FlexGen's Pivot
- [1:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=76) Data Centers as the New Battery Driver
- [3:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=221) Hyper Scalers and Early Movers
- [7:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=433) Battery Technologies: UPS vs. Grid-Scale Storage
- [11:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=700) Use Cases: Interconnection, Power Quality, and Arbitrage
- [15:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=904) Off-Grid and Microgrid Strategies
- [16:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=997) Pitfalls: Battery Degradation and Supply Chain
- [20:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=1235) Software, EMS, and Lab Validation
- [24:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=1446) Future-Proofing Data Center Design
- [26:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-27-the-battery-boom-behind-the-ai-buildout-partner-content#t=1610) Market Outlook to 2030

## Topics

- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Connected products & IoT](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/connected-products-and-iot)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- FlexGen (company)
- NVIDIA (company)
- Microsoft (company)
- Latitude Media (company)
- FlexGen Energy (company)
- EOS (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Powering the AI Era Sustainably: Breakthrough Climate Hardware Tech from 8 Innovators](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-12-04-powering-the-ai-era-sustainably-breakthrough-climate-hardware-tech-from-8-innova) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [All Heat, No Useful Work](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-05-25-all-heat-no-useful-work) (The Amp Hour)
- [259: Data Centers, Modularity, and Mission Critical Manufacturing featuring Keith Hutchens of BW Design Group](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-10-28-259-data-centers-modularity-and-mission-critical-manufacturing-featuring-keith-h) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Episode 79: Not Your Grandfathers Data Center](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2024-08-14-episode-79-not-your-grandfathers-data-center) (The Circuit)
- [The Role of Energy Storage Systems in Combating Climate Change with Mike Wietecki of Powin and John Thomas of ESS](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2024-05-09-the-role-of-energy-storage-systems-in-combating-climate-change-with-mike-wieteck) (Hardware to Save a Planet)

## Citing this page

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