Challenges and Thoughts on the Development of Sodium Battery Technology for Energy Storage

Abstract

Energy storage safety is an important component of national energy security and economic development; it has significant impacts on national security, sustainable development, and social stability. The sodium battery technology is considered as one of the most promising grid-scale energy storage technologies owing to its high power density, high energy density, low cost, and high safety. In this article, we highlight the technical advantages and application scenarios of typical sodium battery systems, including sodiumsulfur batteries and sodium-metal chloride batteries. Moreover, we propose the possible development directions of sodium battery technology in China. Furthermore, we suggest supporting the fundamental research and engineering development for sodium batteries, promoting the aggregation of related upstream and downstream industries, and establishing related standards and a performance evaluation platform. These aim to improve the R&D level and technology maturity of China’s sodium battery technologies and provide alternative and reliable choices for the safe energy supply in China.

Keywords

• electrochemical energy storage,sodium battery,sodium-sulfur battery,sodium-metal chloride battery,ZEBRA battery