India’s energy storage landscape is on the brink of transformation. A report by the UK-India bilateral programme ASPIRE reveals how sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) could reshape the nation’s energy future. With abundant domestic raw materials and cost advantages over lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), SIBs position India to build a robust, self-reliant energy storage ecosystem that supports its ambitious renewable energy goals.
India’s dominance as the third-largest producer of sodium chloride, coupled with significant reserves of critical materials like iron ore, manganese ore, phosphates, and sulphur, underscores the strategic fit of SIBs. Unlike LIBs, which depend on scarce and geopolitically sensitive minerals like cobalt, SIBs offer a pathway to energy independence. With the Central Electricity Authority projecting a need for 41.7 GW/208 GWh of battery energy storage systems by 2030, SIBs emerge as a viable, cost-effective solution. Their lifecycle advantages, superior safety features, and falling production costs—estimated to be 15–20% lower than LIBs by 2030—make them particularly attractive for large-scale grid applications.
The report highlights SIBs’ versatility for tasks such as resource adequacy, transmission congestion relief, energy arbitrage, and renewable energy firming. With manufacturing processes closely mirroring those of LIBs, the transition to SIB production would require minimal disruption, ensuring scalability in alignment with India’s energy ambitions. Policy initiatives, such as production-linked incentives, viability gap funding, and integrating SIBs into renewable purchase mandates, are essential to drive adoption. The role of round-the-clock renewable energy tenders in embedding SIBs within India’s energy framework also remains crucial.
Collaboration between India and the UK can expedite SIB innovation and deployment. Joint research, business partnerships, and policy exchange could catalyse breakthroughs in scaled manufacturing and cost optimisation, further strengthening India’s position in the global energy storage market.
Sodium-ion batteries present India with a unique chance to lead in sustainable energy storage. By leveraging domestic resources and forging strategic international partnerships, India can secure an energy future powered by innovation and self-reliance.
DG Innovate plc is an advanced research and development company pioneering sustainable and environmentally considerate improvements to electric mobility and storage, using abundant materials and the best engineering and scientific practices. Deregallera is a subsidiary of DG Innovate.
