Sodium-ion batteries are gaining momentum as Concordia University’s Volt-Age program works with Dalhousie University to improve energy storage for homes, buildings, and remote communities. The collaboration brings together battery experts Karim Zaghib, Jeff Dahn, Michael Metzger, Chongyin Yang, and Lukas Swan. Together, they are advancing Sodium-ion Battery technology for practical, long-life, and cost-effective stationary energy storage in Canada.
Sodium-ion batteries support Concordia’s Volt-Age mission
Concordia’s Volt-Age program is pushing sodium-ion batteries closer to wider use. The initiative focuses on cleaner energy systems and stronger battery supply chains. In this effort, Volt-Age CEO Karim Zaghib is working with leading researchers at Dalhousie University and private-sector partners.
The goal is clear. The team wants to increase the use and efficiency of sodium-ion batteries. These batteries can play an important role in stationary energy storage. For example, they can store electricity for homes, solar projects, and zero-emission buildings. As a result, they can help support a more flexible and resilient clean energy system.
Jeff Dahn, a professor of physics and atmospheric science at Dalhousie, has worked on Lithium-ion batteries since 1978. He also began working with Tesla in 2016. In 2021, his group expanded its battery research into sodium-ion technology with the hiring of Michael Metzger. That move helped strengthen the research base behind this growing field.
Why sodium-ion batteries matter in 2026
Sodium-ion batteries attract attention because sodium is abundant and affordable. In contrast, large-scale electrification needs vast amounts of battery materials. Therefore, researchers are exploring battery chemistries that can support long-term growth in clean energy.
Dahn explained that sodium-ion batteries fit energy storage applications especially well. These systems do not need to move, so larger battery size is less important. That makes sodium-ion batteries a strong option for stationary use. In addition, the technology now offers very long lifetimes, which makes it attractive for infrastructure projects.
The researchers see sodium-ion batteries as a good match for residential energy storage. They also see value in larger systems connected to solar and wind power. Because of this, the technology can help reduce emissions in buildings and support energy independence in off-grid locations.
Concordia’s Volt-Age and sodium-ion batteries for communities
Karim Zaghib highlighted the value of sodium-ion batteries for northern and off-grid communities in Quebec. Many communities still rely on diesel and gasoline generators for electricity. However, battery storage can pair with solar and wind systems to provide cleaner and more stable power.
This application aligns closely with Volt-Age’s broader mission. The program aims to support electrification while strengthening Canada’s clean technology leadership. Moreover, local battery development can help create a more secure and reliable supply chain.
Zaghib also emphasized the need for Canada and Quebec to move quickly on better energy storage options. In his view, electrification creates a major opportunity for Canada to lead the clean energy transition. Sodium-ion batteries can support that shift by offering dependable storage for buildings, renewable energy systems, and remote regions.
Sodium-ion batteries and long-life energy storage
The research partnership began with two seed grants. One grant supported sodium-ion chemistry for residential energy storage. The other focused on improving energy density. Today, that work has grown into an Impact Project that aims to develop residential-scale energy storage systems using sodium-ion and other elements.
Dahn said the team is improving the lifetime of several sodium-ion chemistries. This approach gives researchers more than one option for future systems. If batteries are installed outdoors, size becomes less important. Therefore, developers can focus on durability, cost, and long-term performance.
That long service life is a major advantage. Energy storage systems often support public infrastructure, including solar farms and buildings. So, developers want batteries that can operate reliably for many years. According to the researchers, sodium-ion cells can now last for decades. This progress makes the technology increasingly relevant for large-scale clean energy use.
How the partnership strengthens Canada’s battery sector
The Volt-Age and Dalhousie collaboration also supports Canada’s industrial strategy. Battery manufacturing depends on research, supply chains, and commercial partnerships. By developing sodium-ion batteries in Canada, the partners aim to build domestic expertise and support future production.
This work also connects universities with private-sector partners. As a result, research can move more efficiently from the lab to real-world deployment. That model can help Canada expand its clean energy economy while supporting innovation in battery systems.
The outlook for sodium-ion batteries
Sodium-ion batteries are becoming an important part of the energy storage conversation in 2026. Concordia’s Volt-Age program and Dalhousie researchers are helping move the technology forward with strong academic leadership and practical goals. Their work targets residential storage, off-grid systems, and zero-emission buildings.
As clean energy demand grows, reliable storage will remain essential. Sodium-ion batteries offer a promising path for long-life, cost-effective, and scalable stationary storage. With continued progress, Concordia’s Volt-Age initiative could help shape the next phase of Canada’s clean energy future.
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