COMMERCIAL-SCALE DEPLOYMENT OF SODIUM-ION BATTERY TECHNOLOGY
Although Li-ion batteries are currently the dominant technology in the rechargeable-battery sector, sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries possess many benefits in terms of sustainability, safety and costs, and are poised to greatly expand their commercial usage. Sodium-ion battery specialist Faradion Ltd. (Sheffield, U.K.; www.faradion.co.uk) — in its largest commercial deployment ever — will provide Na-ion batteries for energy-storage applications in Australia.
Previously, the company had undertaken several prototype demonstrations, including electric bikes, golf carts and small-scale domestic storage applications, but the project in Australia represents a larger magnitude for Faradion’s Na-ion technology, explains Jerry Barker, chief technology officer and co-founder of Faradion.
“Our cell chemistry is based on a proprietary Na-layered oxide cathode. This chemistry provides a world-leading cell specific energy of 150–160 Wh/kg,” says Barker, adding that the company expects to generate cells with greater than 190 Wh/kg specific energy within the next 9 months. Another benefit of Faradion’s batteries is that they can be produced on existing Li-ion manufacturing lines.
