Form Energy's latest $750 million raise signals a pivotal shift in how the grid will handle renewable energy's intermittency. The iron-air battery maker plans to expand its West Virginia manufacturing, betting that long-duration storage becomes essential as data centers surge. Main Developments The funding round, announced Wednesday, targets increased production capacity for Form Energy's iron-air batteries, which can discharge power for up to 100 hours—far exceeding typical lithium-ion systems that last only a few hours. This investment arrives as U.S. energy storage installations hit 9.7 gigawatt-hours in Q1, a 32% jump from 2025. Renewables are projected to supply over 90% of new U.S. generating capacity this year, creating a pressing need for storage that bridges supply gaps. Read also: Lovable raises $400M at $13.3B valuation: 5 key facts Background Form Energy's technology uses iron and air to store energy chemically, offering a cost-effective alternative for multi-day storage. The company's West Virginia facility represents a strategic bet on scaling this emerging category. Why It Matters The AI data center boom is accelerating electricity demand, making reliable, long-duration storage critical. Unlike short-term batteries, 100-hour systems can sustain power through multi-day renewable lulls, stabilizing grids increasingly reliant on wind and solar. What's Next With fresh capital, Form Energy will likely accelerate factory construction and deployment. The industry will watch whether iron-air batteries can achieve commercial scale and compete with lithium-ion on price and longevity.