In the transition to renewable energy, the ability to store energy efficiently has become critical. New battery technologies power electric vehicles (EVs), grid storage systems, and portable electronics. Until now, lithium-ion batteries have dominated the market. But lithium’s scarcity as a raw material, and its rising cost driven by growing EV adoption and geopolitical factors, has posed challenges for widespread electrification. It’s prompted a push for innovation. Met by developments in sodium-ion, lithium sulphur and solid-state battery technology.
Innovations from research teams at institutions like the University of Chicago and KAIST are positioning sodium-ion batteries as strong contenders to replace lithium-ion. Sodium, which is 500 to 1,000 times more abundant than lithium, presents an opportunity for cheaper, more sustainable energy storage. Sodium, being abundant and available across multiple regions, also reduces the risks associated with the lithium supply chain – currently dominated by China.
When car companies first began investing in battery technologies, it was a turning point for the industry. Ten years ago, the focus in the EV industry was on improving battery performance. Now it’s cost. Sodium-ion batteries are crucial today as a cheaper technology to enable EVs to access cost sensitive markets. It provides the pathway to produce EVs at a lower price point, accessing the global market necessary to make a significant impact on decarbonisation. Sodium-ion batteries also perform well in cold temperatures, making them a good choice for EVs.
The solid state battery aims to overcome the problem of liquid electrolytes. Previously used in similar batteries, this fluid ‘anode’ creates a buildup and reduces the battery's usefulness over time. As Science Daily reports, teams from LSCE have created ‘the world’s first anode-free sodium solid-state battery’. Using aluminium powder, a solid that can flow like a liquid, the invention’s low-cost and high-efficiency cycling looks to be transformative for the market. (Toyota and BMW are investing heavily in sodium-ion, solid-state batteries, aiming to bring them to EV markets within the next few years.)
Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries are also emerging as a type of rechargeable battery consisting of a solid electrolyte – an anode made of lithium metal and a cathode made of sulfur. An alternative to today’s lithium-ion batteries, with promising energy density, lower costs, and a lower carbon footprint.
And further innovation includes KAIST’s hybrid sodium-ion tech, integrating anode materials typically used in batteries with cathodes suitable for supercapacitors, to enable a higher power battery capable of rapid charging. With the characteristics of a supercapacitors' power density, these could be particularly impactful for applications requiring quick bursts of power, electric vehicles to smart electronic devices and aerospace technologies.
China has supercharged production with their first large scale sodium-ion battery going online in May. Establishing China’s ambition to shape the future of energy storage, it charges up to 90% in 12 minutes and could eventually release enough clean energy to power 35,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50,000 tonnes annually. As it develops, new battery tech could unlock more accessible solar energy storage and reliable back up power in the home. And balance electricity loads during peak demand times, reducing electricity costs for homeowners and stabilising the grid by preventing energy surges.
The shift in energy tech has environmental and geopolitical considerations. These new batteries rely heavily on rare metals, such as lithium and cobalt. These metals are primarily mined and processed in China, giving the country strategic control. As Guillaume Pitron reports in his book The Rare Metals War, geopolitical tensions are growing over our global dependence on rare metals, as well as environmental degradation caused by mining.
Battery production too is very energy intensive. As significant increases in manufacturing could increase carbon footprint, it is critical to optimise production. The use of robotics in the production line looks promising here, as do SaaS tools measuring the potential total ecological footprint of production.
Better ways to recycle is another way companies are addressing this problem. Aiming to repurpose used batteries from EVs for grid storage, and to recover valuable materials like lithium and cobalt. From 1st February 2027, all EV and industrial batteries over 2 kWh sold into the EU market (roughly the size of those in an e-scooter) will require a unique battery passport. The passport will be imprinted with information on its manufacturing, age and materials, to make it easier to optimise longevity and recycle. (The current figures for battery recycling aren't clear. Estimated to be as low as 5% of batteries recycled today – but this figure is contested.)
As new tech drives forward, the energy tech sector must continue to improve battery longevity, cost, and manufacturing to align with sustainability goals. A reminder that while the spark of innovation burns bright, securing the long road to success is where the real power lies.
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