Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) present a unique opportunity for India to develop a domestic energy storage ecosystem, due to the country’s abundant raw materials.
According to a report from the UK-India bilateral program ASPIRE, led by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with India’s ministry of power and ministry of new and renewable energy, SIBs could outshine lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in terms of cost, safety, and supply chain independence.
The program received advisory support from KPMG.
Advantage in Raw Material Production
The report highlights India’s global standing as the third-largest producer of sodium chloride, contributing ten percent of global salt production in 2021.
Additionally, India possesses significant reserves of key SIB materials such as iron ore, manganese ore, phosphates, and sulfur.
Unlike LIBs, which rely heavily on critical minerals like cobalt, SIBs offer a more sustainable and less resource-intensive alternative.
The advantage positions SIBs as a viable solution to meet India’s projected need for 41.7 GW/208 GWh of battery energy storage systems by 2030, as forecasted by the Central Electricity Authority.
SIBs: A Cost-Effective and Safe Alternative
The report emphasizes SIBs’ suitability for grid-scale storage applications, citing their competitive lifecycle costs, enhanced safety features, and lower production expenses compared to LIBs.
These batteries can effectively address critical grid needs, including:
- Resource adequacy
- Transmission congestion relief
- Energy arbitrage
- Renewable energy firming
SIBs also have a manufacturing edge. Their production process closely mirrors that of LIBs, enabling manufacturers to transition existing production lines with minimal adjustments.
Furthermore, as SIB technology advances, costs are expected to decline, making SIBs 15–20% cheaper than LIBs by 2030.
Policy Recommendations to Accelerate Adoption
To promote SIB adoption, the report recommends integrating these batteries into India’s energy storage framework.
Proposed policy measures include:
- Incorporating SIBs into round-the-clock renewable energy tenders
- Introducing a production-linked incentive scheme for advanced chemistry cells
- Establishing energy storage obligations within renewable purchase mandates
- Providing viability gap funding for storage projects
Collaboration Between India and the UK
The report underscores the potential for collaboration between India and the United Kingdom to accelerate SIB development.
Joint research initiatives, business partnerships, scaled manufacturing, and the exchange of policy best practices can drive innovation and growth in this sector.
Several companies are already paving the way. UK-based firms like AMTE Power and LiNa Energy are advancing SIB technology, while Indian companies such as Indi Energy, KPIT Technologies, and Sodion Energy are actively contributing to the domestic ecosystem.
As reported by ess-news.com, with the right policies and international cooperation, India has the potential to lead the global shift toward sustainable energy storage solutions through sodium-ion batteries.
