Indi Energy is back with the fourteenth edition of “Sodium-ion Batteries Technology Updates.”

Indi Energy, a DRDO 3.0 and National Startup Award winner is an energy storage startup from India developing and commercializing sodium ion batteries. At Indi Energy, we stand for superior and sustainable technology. Indi Energy is leading the charge for the development of sodium ion battery technology. We chose to research and develop it not only because it is a good choice for the environment, but the performance alone speaks for itself, even though sodium ion technology is still at a rather nascent stage as compared to lead-acid and LFP batteries.

But putting all of that aside for now, through this fourteenth edition of “Sodium ion batteries technology updates” we are bringing to you the recent developments in the world of energy storage technology. 

Can coffee improve battery electrodes?

In surprising research carried out by a team of scientists in Kazakhstan and South Korea, coffee grounds have shown the potential to enhance the performance of hard carbon anodes for sodium ion batteries. 

Their sheer abundance and unique lignocellulosic structure make them an environmentally friendly and sustainable precursor material. When used in the synthesis process, coffee-derived carbon can exhibit specific pore structures and surface properties conducive to electrochemical applications. Moreover, with the large annual disposal of coffee grounds globally, their utilization as a precursor material can be scaled up for industrial production, paving the way for the widespread adoption of energy storage technologies. 

“Developing countries need more carbon space for growth!”

Recently, Mr. R.K. Sharma, the Union Minister of India, stated this during an interview. In our humble opinion, historically, developed nations have utilized significant carbon space to achieve their current levels of prosperity. Therefore, it’s understandable that developing nations seek some level of carbon space to support their growth trajectories, but this cannot come at the cost of our planet.

When we say planet, all nations share the same air, water, and sun, which has no relation to the physical division or level of development in any country. To stop unnecessary development races, wealthier nations can provide developing nations with resources for efficient growth. They can also help in funding research and in the establishment of renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable technologies like sodium ion batteries in developing nations to balance the environmental cost-development equation.

Cost to Consumer vs. Cost of Development! 

The world has witnessed a notable uptick in battery-swapping stations, expanding their operational footprint annually. Battery swapping proves to be time, space, and cost-efficient, especially when each swappable battery is actively utilized. This approach also fosters innovative and sustainable business models, exemplified by concepts like “Battery as a Service.” But battery swapping needs standardization at a mass scale, and there are two fundamental problems with that: it can render the first-generation EVs obsolete, and secondly, small-scale entrepreneurs fear the entry of bigger players. This may be a grand challenge for 2nd and 3rd world countries.

As the electric vehicle market expands rapidly, charging stations provide a scalable and sustainable solution. Setting up charging infrastructure in several locations efficiently responds to the growing number of electric vehicle users by offering convenient and accessible charging alternatives and encouraging future adoption, all the while having easier adoption of new technologies like sodium ion batteries.

After completing ground-breaking research in sodium ion technology for energy storage, we are inviting partnerships with industries, investors, and manufacturers to take the lead and incorporate our revolutionizing products to make their businesses better and overhaul electric storage systems.

Exploring the vast landscape of battery materials, sodium has emerged as a beacon of hope. Being abundant and cost-effective, it promises to redefine energy storage solutions sustainably. 

At Indi Energy, we are not just aiming for innovation but for global accessibility. Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or through our contact page. Share your thoughts and expertise, and we promise you we will collectively overcome the obstacles and set off on a path to a sodium-ion-powered future.