Northvolt has introduced a sodium-ion battery for energy storage systems.

The cell has been validated for specific energy exceeding 160 Wh/kg at Northvolt Labs in Västerås, Sweden. Northvolt developed the sodium-ion technology for the battery together with research partner Altris.

The battery uses abundant iron and sodium and is safer, cheaper and more sustainable than conventional nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC) or iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries, according to the company. It is based on a hard carbon anode and a Prussian White-based cathode.

The cell’s first generation is designed primarily for stationary energy storage. Northvolt plans to develop subsequent generations that can deliver higher energy density for EVs.

“Our sodium-ion technology delivers the performance required to enable energy storage with longer duration than alternative battery chemistries, at a lower cost, thereby opening new pathways to deploying renewable power generation,” said Peter Carlsson, CEO of Northvolt.

Source: Northvolt