Sodium-ion batteries are set to spark a renewable energy revolution

>To ensure reliable energy supplies, grids dominated by renewables need “firming” capacity: back-up technology that can supply electricity on demand.

>a new way to firm up the world’s electricity grids is fast developing: sodium-ion batteries. This emerging energy storage technology could be a game-changer—enabling our grids to run on 100% renewables.

>Energy storage collects excess energy generated by renewables, stores it then releases it on demand, to help ensure a reliable supply. Such facilities provide either short or long-term (more than 100 hours) storage.

>lithium-ion batteries are the primary storage technology but are best for short-term storage. Sodium-ion batteries are now almost ready to fill the long-term storage gap.

>factories currently producing lithium batteries could easily and cheaply move to sodium batteries.

>sodium is a far more abundant material than lithium, and potentially cheaper to extract.

>ongoing research and development means their energy-density continues to increase.

>The analysis suggested sodium-ion batteries would soon match the cost of using gas-fired power as a firming energy source.