US start-up company Peak Energy recently signed one of the largest multi-year supply contracts in the field of sodium-ion technology. The agreement lays the foundation for the implementation of one of the worldʼs largest sodium-ion battery systems: The company intends to supply up to 4.75 gigawatt-hours to grid storage developer Jupiter Power between 2027 and 2030. The deal confirms a trend already highlighted in a recent study by the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB and the University of Münster: Sodium-ion batteries are on the verge of industrial mass production.
Alternative with strategic potential
Sodium-ion batteries are considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology, primarily due to the availability of raw materials and their comparatively lower environmental impact. Technologically, they score points with a wide temperature window, which enables more cost-effective cooling systems and reduces operating as well as maintenance costs. In addition, NFPP cathode materials exhibit high cycle stability, making sodium-ion cells particularly attractive for stationary applications with moderate energy density.
Ready for the gigafactory
Although China is currently driving the global expansion of sodium-ion technology and although Peak Energyʼs battery system also uses Chinese cells, Germany is simultaneously pursuing the development of its own industrial manufacturing base for sodium-ion batteries. The aim is to strengthen domestic technological sovereignty and establish an independent value chain for the production and development of this technology. There is a clear focus on the so-called drop-in strategy: Since sodium-ion cells are similar in design to lithium-ion cells, they could be manufactured on existing production lines in the long term. However, this requires the establishment of a European production and supply chain infrastructure.
Research and scaling in Germany
Fraunhofer FFB is playing a key role in establishing a European production landscape. With the FFB PreFab already in operation and the FFB Fab currently under construction, a research and development environment is being created in Münster where new battery technologies can be developed, validated, and brought to industrial scale using European plant technology. At the same time, Fraunhofer FFB is driving forward scientific development with partners from industry and research.
The domestic “Na.Ion.NRW” project
The Na.Ion.NRW joint project is developing large-format sodium-ion cells on a pilot scale. Participants include Fraunhofer FFB, MEET battery research center in Münster, the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, and companies such as Hoppecke, E-Lyte, and PEM Motion. The consortium is building demonstrator modules from commercial and self-developed cells and is investigating their drop-in suitability for existing lithium-ion plant technology.
The domestic “Safe.SIB” project
In contrast, the Safe.SIB project focuses on safe, durable, and scalable sodium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage. To this end, non-flammable electrolytes, large-format pouch cells, and comprehensive safety as well as performance characterizations are being developed. A stationary demonstrator is intended to lay the technological foundation for robust, cost-effective energy storage.
The domestic “SIB:DE” project
As part of the SIB:DE project, Germany has one of the largest sodium-ion consortia in Europe. In the research phase, 21 partners are developing active materials, electrolytes, and demonstrator cells and are conducting techno-economic assessments of scalability. The aim is to identify scalable material systems and lay the foundation for industrial-scale sodium-ion cell production in Germany. The second phase is scheduled to start in 2026 – with 27 partners, including BMW, cylib, UniverCell, GROB, Hoppecke, Varta, and Jungheinrich. In addition to the industrial production of sodium-ion cells, the focus will also be on recycling potential and closed cycles.
Analysis available for download
An FFB study on benchmarking state-of-the-art sodium-ion battery cells addresses the question of the extent to which sodium-ion batteries can compete directly with lithium-ion batteries, and quantifies the energy density as well as the carbon footprint of commercially used sodium-ion battery cell chemistries through comprehensive modeling.
