Will sodium-ion batteries dominate the future of long-duration energy storage?

With costs fast declining, sodium-ion batteries look set to dominate the future of long-duration energy storage, finds AI-based analysis that predicts technological breakthroughs based on global patent data. Sodium-ion batteries’ rapid development could see long-duration energy storage (LDES) enter mainstream use as early as 2027.

How much will sodium ion batteries cost in 2028?

Assuming a similar capex cost to Li-ion-based battery energy storage systems (BESS) at $300/kWh, sodium-ion batteries’ 57% improvement rate will see them increasingly more affordable than Li-ion cells, reaching around $10/kWh by 2028.

What is the cost of a sodium ion battery?

The cost per kWh for a sodium ion battery, according to the research mentioned, is $35/kWh, as compared to $48/kWh for NMC in lithium cells.

When will sodium ion batteries become mainstream?

Sodium-ion batteries are not only improving at a faster rate than other LDES technologies but they are also set to be cost comparable with the cheapest forms of dispatchable power, and therefore enter mainstream use, as early as 2027.

Are sodium ion batteries a good investment?

Analysing 30 LDES technologies, the research found sodium-ion batteries to hold the most promise due to their fast improvement rate – around 57% in 2024. They offer more efficiency in round-trip energy use, greater operational flexibility and lose less energy during storage and supply.

Will sodium-ion batteries disrupt the LDEs market?

Credit: Fahroni/Shutterstock. Sodium-ion batteries are set to disrupt the LDES market within the next few years, according to new research – exclusively seen by Power Technology’s sister publication Energy Monitor – by GetFocus, an AI-based analysis platform that predicts technological breakthroughs based on global patent data.