Welcome to the thirtieth issue of “Sodium-ion Batteries Technology Updates,” a series from Indi Energy, one of the world’s leading sodium battery companies and India’s first indigenous sodium-ion battery manufacturers. 

Indi Energy is a DRDO 3.0, NSA’22, & SIDBI Environmental Challenge’24 winner and one of the world’s leading sodium battery companies. In the last five years, we have committed ourselves to research, developing, and commercializing sodium-ion batteries and customized sodium-ion battery packs.

We are a part of the Make in India initiative; our supply chain for our sodium-ion batteries is completely indigenous, a.k.a., homegrown. We are setting a new benchmark in the energy storage sector by transforming energy storage solutions sustainably.

In this thirtieth issue of sodium-ion battery technology updates, we will go through the recent updates in the world of sodium-ion batteries, the energy sector, and an overview of the global energy outlook.

Shaping the future of energy: The Rise of Sodium-ion Batteries!  

In the most recent edition of COP26 climate talks, 30 countries and 6 major automobile manufacturers pledged to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel models by 2040. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero by 2050 roadmap estimates that we will need 2 billion electric vehicles to hit net zero emissions—a staggering number for which one this is certain: lithium demand is going to skyrocket! 

This is going to place an immense strain on the already stretched lithium-ion battery supply chain. We also have to consider the fact that lithium is not solely used in EV batteries or stationary storage facilities; it is a key component in other industries as well, which makes it necessary for alternative energy storage solutions that reduce this overwhelming dependence.

So what is the alternative? Indi Energy’s sodium-ion batteries. We are one of the world’s leading sodium battery companies because our revolutionary sodium-ion battery technology is the answer. In the last half year, more and more players around the world have entered the commercial operation stage, while a company in China has already commissioned a 10 MWh sodium-ion battery storage station, marking tangible progress for sodium battery technology.

But that’s all, though! Energy experts forecast that by 2030, SIB production capacity could exceed 100 GWh, driven by manufacturing and technological advancements that may even improve cost efficiencies.

At Indi Energy, we are thrilled by these developments. As part of the global sodium-ion contingent, we believe this shift from lithium-ion batteries to sodium-ion batteries is vital for diversifying and enhancing the sustainability of the energy storage landscape. This is not just a mere transition; it is a necessary pivot towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

Rethinking Sustainability

Lithium-ion batteries were once claimed to be a solution to our fossil fuel dependency and climate change; it’s high time we reconsider this claim due to their environmental repercussions, especially the extraction process.

The lithium extraction process can consume almost 500,000 gallons per ton and uses sulphuric and hydrochloride acids, which are extremely difficult to contain and dispose of safely. We can’t keep calling lithium-ion batteries the answer to our search for sustainable battery storage technology.

Instead, let’s consider our sodium-ion batteries. Not only are they non-flammable, but they are made out of an element abundant in nature—sodium. Their sourcing is environmentally friendly; they have a much lower carbon footprint and offer a longer lifespan. By leveraging biowaste for our proprietary hard carbon, BioBlackTM used as the anode in our batteries, we have potentially solved an issue that has plagued our country for decades: stubble burning!

Recognizing the potential impact of our sodium-ion batteries on climate action, Energy Alternatives India heralded Indi Energy as one of its “Top 100 Innovative Indian Startups in Climate Action,” along with The Better India, which names us one of the “5 Innovating Startups Revolutionising India’s Renewable Energy Sector.”

Sodium-ion technology is rapidly gaining traction in the energy storage market because, unlike other batteries, Indi Energy’s sodium-ion batteries utilize abundant and inexpensive sodium as their primary material and other proprietary raw materials to significantly reduce production costs.

If you think you can help us or would like to explore the opportunity to work with us, please connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or through our contact page. Share your thoughts and expertise, and let’s explore how we can explore the possibility of a sustainable future powered by sodium-ion battery technology.

This is a tremendous opportunity because not only will you get the opportunity to contribute to the renewable energy revolution, but you will also reap the benefits of tapping into a burgeoning market with immense potential for growth and profitability!