DesignNews posted a story today that suggests progress is being made on a weak spot in renewable energy: Storage systems.
The piece says that three entities in the United Kingdom: Faradion, Moixa Technology and WMG, which is part of the University of Warwick, have developed sodium-ion cells. These cells, the story says, are low-cost alternatives to lithium-ion storage approaches. The piece says that sodium-ion batteries can be 30 percent less expensive to produce. The key to the cost savings is that sodium is more accessible than lithium. It also lasts longer than lead-based systems, which also are common.
The story says that the approach also reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Last year, General Electric and Coachella Energy Storage Partners said they will build a $38 million battery for the Imperial Irrigation District in California.
