In the wide world of energy storage, Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate. Costs have decreased significantly over the past three decades. Grid-scale battery storage is expected to grow faster than wind or solar power in the U.S. The global Lithium-ion supply chain is outpacing demand, according to BloombergNEF.
However, this supply chain is primarily controlled by Chinese manufacturing. The International Energy Agency estimates that China manages over half the world’s lithium processing and nearly 85% of global battery cell production. Consequently, countries using Lithium-ion batteries, including the U.S., depend heavily on Chinese imports.
This dependence has led U.S. manufacturers to search for alternatives like sodium-ion batteries. As global interest increases, domestic manufacturers see an opportunity. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence anticipates a 350% rise in announced Sodium-ion Battery manufacturing capacity this year. Today’s supply is in the tens of gigawatts, but by 2030, it’s expected to reach hundreds of gigawatts.
Advantages Of Sodium-Ion Batteries
Sodium-ion batteries offer several advantages. Sodium is significantly more abundant and cheaper than lithium, especially in the U.S. This could make sodium-ion systems around 40% less expensive than Lithium-ion once manufacturing scales. Additionally, sodium-ion batteries appear less likely to catch fire due to their lower energy density and higher electrolyte flashpoint. They also perform better in cold temperatures and can be completely discharged to zero volts, eliminating the risk of fires during transit.
U.S. Manufacturing Efforts
Several U.S. companies are working to develop sodium-ion technology. Peak Energy and Natron Energy are notable examples. Peak Energy, founded last year with $10 million in funding, aims to produce both cells and packs domestically by 2027. Natron Energy recently opened the first commercial-scale sodium-ion manufacturing facility in the U.S., capable of producing 600 megawatts of batteries annually.
Transforming its Michigan-based plant from a Lithium-ion facility cost Natron Energy over $40 million. The company’s supporters include Chevron, United Airlines, and Nabor Industries. They also received nearly $20 million from ARPA-E for the plant conversion.
Global Developments
Outside the U.S., France-based TIAMAT plans to build a massive 5-gigawatt sodium-ion facility. Sweden’s Northvolt and the UK’s Faradion also aim to bring sodium-ion manufacturing to Europe. Despite these efforts, sodium-ion batteries are around 30% less energy-dense than Lithium-ion, making them unsuitable for portable electronics and EV markets that require higher space efficiency.
Sodium-Ion: A Complementary Technology
Benchmark predicts sodium-ion batteries will comprise 5% of the energy storage market by 2030 and over 10% by 2040. BloombergNEF is more optimistic, forecasting a 12% market share by 2030. Though primarily for stationary storage now, the technology could become viable for longer-range Electric Vehicles as it evolves.
In summary, sodium-ion batteries present a promising alternative to Lithium-ion technology. They offer cost benefits, safety improvements, and better cold performance. As political tensions and market volatility continue, sodium-ion batteries could become a critical component in the future of energy storage.
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