Sunday 22 Dec
Sodium batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering improved energy storage capacity and longevity. Australian company Altech Batteries has unveiled its latest breakthrough with the successful operation of the first prototype of its "Synergy ABS 60" battery.
The 60kWh solid-state sodium
chloride battery is currently undergoing rigorous testing in partnership with
Fraunhofer IKTS in Germany. The battery's ability to withstand daily charge and
discharge cycles, as well as its performance under varying temperature
conditions, is being closely monitored.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries,
Altech's "Synergy" sodium batteries utilize sodium ions from common
table salt and a cathode composed of salt and nickel. This technology offers
several advantages, including complete fire and explosion-proof properties, a
wider operating temperature range, and a significantly longer lifespan.
Altech CEO Iggy Tan emphasized
the potential of sodium batteries, stating, "Using common table salt
technology and without the need for lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, or
manganese, the Synergy battery can operate over a wide temperature range and
has a 15-year lifespan, double that of lithium-ion batteries."
With the successful demonstration
of the prototype, Altech is now focused on scaling up production and securing
commercial partnerships. The company aims to build a 120MWh factory and has
already received a letter of intent to supply 30MWh to the Schwarz Pump
industrial area.
Sodium batteries offer a promising solution to the growing demand for energy storage, particularly in applications like grid energy storage. Their ability to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable performance makes them a valuable asset for renewable energy systems. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential benefits of sodium batteries could revolutionize the energy storage landscape.
