Sodium-ion Battery technology is gaining momentum at Dalhousie University. Researchers are working with Concordia’s Volt-Age program and industry partners to improve battery life, efficiency, and practical use. Their goal is clear. They want to support cleaner energy storage in Canada with abundant, lower-cost materials.
Dalhousie professors Jeff Dahn, Michael Metzger, Chongyin Yang, and Lukas Swan are leading the effort with Dr. Karim Zaghib, CEO of Concordia’s Volt-Age program. Together, they are developing sodium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage. In particular, they are targeting residential systems, off-grid applications, and zero-emission buildings.
Sodium-ion battery technology supports cleaner energy storage
Sodium-ion battery technology uses sodium, a material found in salt. Sodium is far more abundant than lithium. As a result, researchers see strong potential for a more sustainable battery supply chain. In addition, sodium can help diversify energy storage options as Canada expands renewable power.
Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries already power Electric Vehicles and many consumer devices. However, sodium-ion batteries fit especially well in stationary systems. These batteries do not need to move, so larger battery size matters less. Therefore, researchers can focus on durability, safety, and long-term storage performance.
Dr. Jeff Dahn, a professor of physics and atmospheric science at Dalhousie, says sodium-ion batteries are well suited for energy storage that stays in one place. That includes batteries paired with solar farms, wind systems, homes, and community-scale energy projects. Moreover, these systems can support the wider shift to electrification.
Dalhousie sodium-ion battery technology builds on years of expertise
Dalhousie brings deep battery expertise to this work. Dr. Dahn has worked on lithium-ion batteries since 1978. He also began working with Tesla in 2016. Then, in 2021, his research group expanded into sodium-ion batteries with the hiring of Dr. Michael Metzger. That move added new momentum to Dalhousie’s battery program.
The current collaboration grew from two seed grants. First, one grant supported sodium-ion chemistry for residential energy storage. Second, another grant focused on improving energy density. Now, the work has grown into an Impact Project that aims to develop residential-scale energy storage systems using sodium-ion and other abundant elements.
Researchers are testing several sodium-ion chemistries. They want to improve battery lifetime and identify the best options for large-scale deployment. According to the team, some sodium-ion cells now offer very long service life. In fact, researchers believe certain cells could operate for many decades in the right applications.
Sodium-ion battery technology for homes and communities
The team sees strong potential in residential and community energy storage. For example, homes with solar panels need reliable ways to store electricity for later use. Sodium-ion battery technology can help meet that need. Likewise, larger systems can store power from wind and solar installations and deliver it when demand rises.
Researchers also see value in off-grid regions. In northern Quebec and other remote parts of Canada, many communities rely on diesel and gasoline generators. Batteries can store electricity from renewable sources and reduce dependence on fuel shipments. Consequently, communities can gain more stable and flexible energy systems.
Dr. Karim Zaghib says Volt-Age is working with off-grid communities in northern Quebec. The program is exploring how batteries can store solar and wind energy for local use. This approach supports cleaner electricity systems and helps expand practical energy access in remote areas.
Sodium-ion battery technology strengthens Canada’s clean tech role
This collaboration also supports Canadian clean tech leadership. Canada has strong research institutions, growing electrification goals, and abundant natural resources. Therefore, sodium-ion battery technology could become an important part of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
The project focuses not only on battery performance but also on supply chain resilience. Since sodium is abundant, researchers see an opportunity to support greener and more secure battery production. In turn, this can help Canada build stronger domestic expertise in battery materials, manufacturing, and energy systems.
Just as important, sodium-ion batteries may offer lower costs and long lifetimes. Those qualities matter for public infrastructure. For example, batteries connected to solar farms, zero-emission buildings, and community grids must operate reliably for many years. Because of that, the Dalhousie and Volt-Age teams are giving special attention to longevity.
The collaboration reflects a practical vision for the future. Instead of replacing every battery type, sodium-ion battery technology can complement lithium-ion systems where stationary storage makes the most sense. As renewable power grows, that flexibility becomes increasingly valuable.
Why sodium-ion battery technology matters in 2026
In 2026, energy storage remains essential to electrification. Solar and wind power continue to expand, but both need dependable storage to balance supply and demand. Sodium-ion battery technology can help fill that role. It uses abundant materials, supports long-life systems, and fits stationary applications well.
Dalhousie’s collaboration with Concordia’s Volt-Age program shows how Canadian researchers are moving this field forward. By improving efficiency, chemistry, and battery lifetime, the team is helping shape cleaner energy systems for homes, communities, and critical infrastructure. Overall, their work highlights how sodium-ion batteries can play a growing role in Canada’s sustainable energy future.
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