Page 179 - CW E-Magazine (6-5-2025)

Special Report

Environmental impact and sustain- to SIB technology. Several companies a viable solution for various energy stor-
ability to encourage SIBs have successfully raised funds to ad- age applications.
SIBs are increasingly recognized for vance their sodium-ion battery techno-
their potential environmental benefi ts logies, highlighting the potential of this Pilot projects and real-world imple-
compared to traditional LIBs. One of emerging market. mentations in the SIB market
the primary advantages of SIBs is their The SIB market is witnessing a surge
reliance on more abundant and less For instance, UNIGRID Battery, a in pilot projects and real-world imple-
environmentally damaging materials. California-based start-up, announced mentations across various sectors. In the
Unlike lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which the successful close of a $12-mn European aviation and marine industries,
are used in LIBs and are associated with Series A funding round in June 2024. pilot production facilities for sodium-ion
energy-intensive extraction processes This round was co-led by Transition cells have been established, focusing on
that lead to signifi cant ecological con- VC and Ritz Venture Capital, with these specifi c high-demand sectors. This
sequences such as land degradation and participation from Union Square Ven- move indicates the potential for SIBs to
pollution, sodium is more readily avail- tures and Foothill Ventures. The funds revolutionize energy storage in transpor-
able and can be sourced with a lower are intended to accelerate and scale up tation, particularly in areas where weight
environmental footprint. This aspect of UNIGRID’s battery production to meet and energy density are critical factors.
SIB technology aligns well with global the growing demand in the electric
sustainability goals and the increasing mobility and stationary storage markets. Asian automakers are actively test-
focus on reducing the environmental ing electric vehicles powered by SIBs,
impact of energy storage solutions. Similarly, TaiSan, a UK-based com- signalling a potential shift in the auto-
pany, raised £1.3-mn in a pre-seed fund- motive industry towards more sustain-
The manufacturing process of SIBs ing round led by EIT InnoEnergy and able and cost-effective energy storage
also presents a more sustainable alterna- TSP Ventures to accelerate the develop- solutions. These pilot projects are cru-
tive. Studies have shown that the climate ment of their quasi-solid-state SIB tech- cial for evaluating the performance,
impacts of SIBs have decreased signifi - nology for the automotive industry. durability, and safety of SIBs in real-world
cantly, by 43-57% from 2020 to 2050, conditions, paving the way for broader
indicating a positive trend towards Government support for SIB tech- adoption in the automotive sector.
reducing their environmental footprint. nology has also been substantial. The
This reduction is partly due to improve- U.S. Department of Energy awarded In the energy sector, North American
ments in the battery manufacturing a $50-mn grant to the Low-cost Earth- utility companies are implementing SIB
process, which has seen a decrease in abundant Na-ion Storage (LENS) con- modules for grid stabilization, leverag-
its relative contribution to the overall sortium. This initiative aims to advance ing their cost advantages and supply
environmental impact. Furthermore, SIB technology by leveraging earth- chain sustainability. This application
SIBs are noted for their lower toxic and abundant materials, which are crucial demonstrates the potential of of SIBs
hazardous material content, which con- for reducing dependency on critical to play a signifi cant role in renewable
tributes to their environmental friendliness. minerals like lithium. Additionally, energy integration and grid management.
Natron Energy Inc. is seeking up to Japan and Saudi Arabia are extensively
Despite these advantages, there are $50-mn in grant funding from the Job using sodium-sulphur (NaS) batteries
still challenges to be addressed, such as Development Investment Grant and the for integrating renewable energy sources
the current higher greenhouse gas emis- North Carolina Megasite Readiness pro- into their grids, showcasing the versati-
sions during production compared to gram to support the establishment of a lity of SIB technologies in large-scale
LIBs. However, this is expected to im- SIB gigafactory. energy storage applications.
prove with advancements in technology
and manufacturing processes, making These funding rounds and govern- Additionally, research institutions
SIBs an increasingly viable option for ment grants underscore the strategic are contributing to the advancement of
sustainable energy storage solutions. importance of SIB technology as a sus- SIB technology through various pro-
tainable and cost-effective alternative to jects. Sandia National Laboratories, in
Funding and investment landscape LIBs. The fi nancial backing from both collaboration with the Hawai’i Natural
The SIB market has seen signifi cant private investors and government enti- Energy Institute, has been conducting
fi nancial activity in recent years, refl ect- ties is expected to drive innovation and tests on sodium-ion 18650 cells, with
ing growing interest in this alternative commercialization, positioning SIBs as initial results presented. These research

Chemical Weekly May 6, 2025 179

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