As data centers navigate the explosive growth of AI and e-commerce alongside tightening sustainability mandates, the need for a superior Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) backup solution has never been more urgent. While legacy lead-acid batteries are hindered by excessive weight and short lifespans, and lithium-ion alternatives face persistent safety risks like thermal runaway, nickel-zinc (NiZn) has emerged as the definitive modern standard. Over the last decade, NiZn has challenged these traditional chemistries by delivering a high-power-dense technology that fulfills the rigorous uptime demands of critical infrastructure while offering unmatched safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental benefits.

This milestone reflects accelerating customer demand for solutions that deliver high power density, superior safety, and long-term sustainability without compromise.

The data center industry is evolving rapidly as AI workloads reshape power requirements and infrastructure design. As energy storage becomes an increasingly critical component of modern data centers, this report — conducted by Endeavor Business Intelligence on behalf of ZincFive — captures insights from 150 global industry professionals on emerging priorities, technology adoption, and evolving perceptions of energy storage solutions.

Traditionally, long-duration energy storage has been encapsulated within the framework of Energy Storage Systems (ESS), commonly used for applications such as powering electric vehicles and consumer electronics. Conversely, short-duration applications, which prioritize immediate power output, fall under the category of Immediate Power Solutions (IPS). IPS applications demand instantaneous, high-rate power for durations ranging from minutes to microseconds.

The railroad arrived in Fort Worth, Texas in 1876. Due to centuries-long railroad development through the city, today, Fort Worth is one of the busiest and most important train thoroughfares in Texas. With more railroad gate crossings at signalized intersections per capita than any other city its size in Texas, safety has always been a primary concern. It is essential that the intersections with at least one leg crossing over the train tracks be equipped with a reliable, safe, and fast charging battery backup system in case there is a power outage.

Utah’s population is expected to double by 2050, causing increased demand for an intelligent transportation system. UPStealth® helped the Utah Department of Transportation achieve their goal of connected traffic signals that stay operating even when the power fails, improving the state’s traffic mobility, driver safety, and overall quality of life.

Loveland, Colorado is a beautiful gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. As jobs, development, and park attendance hit record numbers, so did traffic congestion, extreme weather, and safety concerns. Deploying UPStealth® provided the city of Loveland with reliable, durable uninterruptible power for intersections and remote weather information systems even in extreme weather.

With more than five million residents, Atlanta is the third fastest growing metro area in the U.S., causing traffic congestion and intermittent power issues with severe weather. UPStealth® was the optimal solution for Georgia Department of Transportation, due to its ability to fit inside existing cabinets and provide sine wave monitoring and power conditioning.