{
  "id": 8043397,
  "title": "Creating better batteries for electricity grids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/creating-better-batteries-for-electricity-grids",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:00:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Physics World",
    "slug": "physics-world",
    "url": "https://physicsworld.com/a/creating-better-batteries-for-electricity-grids/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, Lin Ma of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discusses the critical role of energy storage in electricity grids. The increasing reliance on wind and solar power, which are inherently intermittent, has amplified the need for effective grid storage solutions. Ma explains that current battery technologies in use are insufficient to meet these growing demands.\n\nWhen discussing battery options for grid storage, Ma highlights the advantages of sodium-ion batteries over their lithium-based counterparts. Sodium-ion batteries present significant cost and safety benefits, making them more suitable for widespread deployment. However, the deployment of large-scale battery facilities also raises important safety concerns, which are a topic of discussion.\n\nArtificial intelligence (AI) is another area where Ma sees potential for enhancing battery technology. AI can be leveraged to improve various aspects of battery design, manufacturing, and management, offering a promising avenue for advancing energy storage solutions. The Electrochemical Society, in partnership with Physics World, aims to further this progress by advancing the theory and practice of electrochemical and solid-state science and technology.",
  "summary": "The applied scientist Lin Ma is our podcast guest The post Creating better batteries for electricity grids appeared first on Physics World .",
  "key_points": [
    "Sodium-ion batteries offer cost and safety advantages over lithium-based batteries for grid storage.",
    "Large-scale battery deployment raises significant safety concerns.",
    "AI can enhance battery design, manufacturing, and management for improved energy storage."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}