Battery revolution set to spark Global South’s century of prosperity

Renewable energy is the tech revolution of our time. It promises ubiquitous, cheap and easily accessible energy for all. The rise of the sodium-ion battery is the final piece to make this dream come true. Its low cost and reliable energy storage can make distributed and affordable electrification widely available for everyone across the world.

Chinese firm CATL is on the verge of mass-producing a sodium-ion battery that can charge more than 10,000 cycles, performs between minus 40 and 70 degrees Celsius, possesses an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kilogram and promises to be the safest battery in the world. Its competitors are likely to make similar products. As in other fields of technology, competition will drive the product to higher specs and lower prices.

After lithium batteries using nickel, cobalt and manganese made electric vehicles (EVs) practical, the lithium phosphate ion battery helped slash battery costs and improved safety. The sodium-ion battery is the latest revolution, promising to cut battery costs even further. The widespread availability of the materials required to make these batteries holds the prospect of ubiquitous supplies, while the improved safety metrics and longer effective lifespan make it ideal for energy storage.