Korean Makers Scale Up Sodium‑Ion Battery Production
As China’s low-cost battery offensive expands from lithium iron phosphate (LFP) to sodium-ion, Korean battery makers are also accelerating their pursuit. LG Energy Solution has begun preparations for commercialization by establishing sodium-ion battery production lines in Nanjing, China, and Ochang,
Korean battery manufacturers are intensifying their efforts to scale up sodium-ion battery production as China solidifies its lead in this market. LG Energy Solution, for instance, has initiated the construction of production lines in both Nanjing, China, and Ochang, South Korea, in order to compete effectively in the energy storage system (ESS) market, where price competitiveness is paramount.
According to industry reports, LG Energy Solution has already completed the proof-of-concept (PoC) for sodium-ion batteries suitable for long-duration ESS market needs and is currently negotiating commercialization strategies with customers. The company aims to ship sodium-ion battery samples to ESS customers in the United States next year.
To meet this demand, LG Energy Solution has adapted an existing production line at its Nanjing Plant 1 in China to establish a pilot line with a projected annual capacity of 200MWh. Additionally, a larger mother line is being built at its Ochang facility in South Korea.
Sodium-ion batteries are viewed as a promising alternative due to their lower cost and increased lifespan, particularly in markets dominated by lithium-ion batteries, such as the long-duration ESS and lower-tier electric vehicle sectors. Unlike standard lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries utilize sodium ions instead of lithium ions for the charging and discharging process.
While their energy density is lower than that of LFP batteries, this characteristic makes them more suitable for energy storage applications rather than power-hungry electric vehicles.
Prominent Korean and Chinese battery companies, including LG Energy Solution and CATL, are making significant strides in sodium-ion battery development. CATL recently unveiled its 'TENER Sodium' sodium-ion battery technology, which boasts over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles at 45 degrees Celsius and retains over 92% of its capacity even at -20 degrees Celsius. This expanded temperature range makes sodium-ion batteries particularly attractive for regions with extreme cold or heat.
The sodium-ion battery's inherent advantages, such as abundant raw materials and relatively lower price volatility, make it an appealing option for the ESS market. As these batteries can be retrofitted onto existing lithium-ion production lines or utilized during periods of underutilized capacity, their adoption is seen as a cost-effective strategy for manufacturers looking to diversify their product offerings.
Written by urgent.news from BusinessKorea's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
