China has inaugurated its first large-scale sodium-ion battery energy storage facility, marking a significant step in the nation’s renewable energy efforts. Located in Nanning, this facility has been constructed by the state-owned China Southern Power Grid Energy Storage company.
Key Features and Expansion Plans
The Fulin Sodium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Station initially boasts a capacity of 10 MWh. However, plans are in place to expand this capacity to 100 MWh in the future. Once fully operational, the facility will be capable of supplying electricity to 35,000 households and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50,000 tons annually.
High-Speed Charging and Efficiency
The storage station utilizes 22,000 sodium-ion battery cells, each with a capacity of 210 Ah. Remarkably, these cells can reach 90% charge in just 12 minutes. The sodium-ion batteries used in this facility have an energy conversion efficiency of 92%, comparable to the 85-95% efficiency range of lithium-ion batteries.
Cost and Efficiency Improvements
Officials from China Southern Power Grid have indicated that the costs associated with large-scale sodium-ion battery storage could be reduced by 20-30% in the future. These cost reductions are expected to come from advancements in the structure, production process, material usage, and lifecycle improvements of sodium-ion batteries.
Advantages of Sodium-Ion Batteries
Sodium-ion batteries present a cost advantage over lithium-ion batteries due to the abundant availability of sodium in nature. Although they are less energy-dense than their lithium-ion counterparts, this disadvantage is not a significant issue for stationary energy storage applications. As a result, the use of sodium-ion batteries is anticipated to increase in the coming years.
This pioneering project underscores China’s commitment to diversifying its energy storage technologies and reducing its carbon footprint, paving the way for broader adoption of sodium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage solutions.
