Energy storage plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable supply of power, particularly from renewable sources. It collects surplus energy, stores it, and releases it when needed. Currently, lithium-ion batteries dominate short-term storage solutions, while sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising technology for long-term storage.
Sodium-ion batteries, which use sodium—a material abundant in salt—work by moving sodium ions between positive and negative poles to generate a charge. This technology mirrors the process in lithium-ion batteries, but sodium offers several advantages, including a more abundant supply and potentially lower extraction costs. Unlike lithium, which is sometimes mined in ways that are harmful to the environment, sodium presents fewer environmental concerns. The recycling process for sodium-ion batteries is also more straightforward compared to lithium.
One of the key benefits of sodium-ion batteries is their ability to hold a charge for a longer period than lithium batteries. However, they are not without challenges. Sodium ions are larger and heavier than lithium ions, which results in a lower energy density. This means that sodium-ion batteries require more space and material to store the same amount of energy. Despite this, advancements in the technology are improving energy density, and sodium-ion batteries are becoming more competitive in performance.
Experts predict that sodium-ion batteries could become commercially viable as soon as 2027, with their cost potentially matching that of gas-fired power. This would make them an attractive option for applications like small-scale vehicle electrification and home energy backup systems. By 2030, sodium-ion batteries could capture a significant portion of the market, potentially replacing lead-acid or lithium-iron phosphate batteries in various sectors.
Manufacturing of sodium-ion batteries is expanding, particularly in China and Europe, with companies such as BYD and Faradion making notable progress in building large-scale production facilities. These developments suggest that sodium-ion batteries could soon play a major role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, offering a cleaner alternative to current energy storage solutions.
Sodium-ion batteries hold great promise for the future of energy storage. As technology continues to improve, they may soon provide a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for storing renewable energy.
DG Innovate plc (LON:DGI) 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.
