Sodium batteries are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion technology, offering sustainability benefits and addressing supply chain challenges.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries which rely on scarce resources like lithium and cobalt, sodium is an abundant element.
A recent discovery by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) shows that neutral molten salt can undergo a further reaction into an acidic molten salt. “This second acidic reaction mechanism increases the battery’s capacity,” PNNL explained.
In addition to PNNL, companies like Northvolt in Sweden, BYD in China, and Acculon in the US are scaling up sodium battery production and improving sodium battery weight and performance.
Australia, known for abundant solar resources, may see the rise of sodium batteries as opening avenues for a new solar battery supply chain. “Though somewhat longer durations of 6-8 hours have been reported, the sodium battery would provide more hours at a lower cost, accelerating the ability of electricity grids to absorb more solar energy.” says Tina Casey, a specialist in advanced energy technology.
As sodium batteries continue to evolve and gain momentum, they hold the promise of reshaping the energy storage industry, driving innovation, and accelerating the transition to a greener future. Australia stands poised to capitalise on these opportunities, leveraging its renewable energy assets to establish a robust sodium battery supply chain, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.
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Source: https://cleantechnica.com/2024/01/14/low-cost-sodium-batteries-energy-storage-evs-grid/