Samsung SDI reported to supply ~₩2T of AI data-center battery cells via Simplo

Samsung SDI has reportedly started supplying cylindrical battery cells to Taiwan's Simplo Technology, which assembles them into battery backup units (BBUs) for AI data centers serving major North American tech companies including Amazon and Meta. Industry reporting puts the agreement near ₩2 trillion, with annual volume that could exceed ₩1T. The cells use a high-nickel NCA cathode with a silicon-carbon anode — the chemistry BBUs need for power density, where LFP falls short. The figures come from industry sources, not a company announcement.

Why it matters

Data-center backup power is quietly becoming a battery market with EV-scale contracts: this reported deal alone rivals a mid-size EV supply agreement, and it lands while LG Energy leans on grid ESS to offset its EV slump and Samsung SDI courts solid-state customers. Korean cell makers are rebuilding their demand base around AI infrastructure — the buyer that is actually growing.

What to watch

Official confirmation from Samsung SDI or Simplo, and whether the reported Amazon direct-supply talks produce a second, larger contract.