Grid storage batteries for the renewables-grid are developing fast. Lithium battery prices have dropped 20% since 2023, and a French-American team has found a way to make Sodium-Ion batteries 15% more energy dense.

New material for sodium-ion batteries brings affordable, sustainable future within grasp

Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Prices See Largest Drop Since 2017, Falling 20% since 2023, to $115 per Kilowatt-Hour

Crucially, the new chemistry that improves the sodium ion batteries density, also improves electrode stability. So far, this is an area where sodium ion batteries have trailed behind lithium batteries. It meant they were less stable over longer life cycles of use.

Sodium's big advantage over lithium is how easy it is to obtain – it can be mined from seawater. Still, problems with chemical stability and life cycle issues have made them less competitive. But they are catching up, and when they do, obtaining the raw material supply won't be any constraint on demand.