One of the key advantages of sodium batteries is the sheer abundance of sodium compared to lithium. Sodium is 1,400 times more abundant and can be extracted from seawater (e.g. as a by-product of desalination process), a nearly unlimited resource, making it a far more sustainable choice.

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The eco-friendly extraction and processing methods for sodium are already well-established globally, primarily for producing sodium chloride (NaCl) and soda ash (Na2CO3). These existing infrastructures can be easily adapted to produce sodium for batteries, minimising the need for new mines and potentially harmful extraction processes. This established infrastructure also helps ensure a cost-effective, stable supply chain, avoiding the disruptions seen in the lithium market.

Moreover, our sodium batteries use iron oxide and magnesium oxide for their cathodes and hard carbon for their anodes, which are sourced from industrial by-products and recycled materials. This further reduces our environmental impact during production and disposal.

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Sustainability Advantages

Sodium batteries offer multiple sustainability advantages that make them a clear choice for the future of energy storage:

• Eco-Friendly Extraction: Sodium can be extracted from seawater with minimal environmental impact, unlike lithium, which is associated with destructive mining practices.

• Non-Toxic Components: Sodium batteries are built with non-toxic materials, avoiding the harmful chemicals used in lithium batteries, such as cobalt.

• Easier Recyclability: Sodium batteries are less reactive, making them safer and easier to recycle. Their materials can be reclaimed efficiently, promoting a circular economy.

• Lower Cost of Production: Sodium batteries use cheaper, more readily available materials, making them a more cost-effective solution for large-scale energy storage systems.

Recycling and Circular Economy Potential

The recyclability of sodium batteries is another crucial factor that distinguishes them from their lithium counterparts. Sodium batteries are composed of materials that are easier to recover at the end of their lifecycle, thanks to their non-toxic nature. Recycling processes can reclaim these materials with lower energy input, reducing the overall environmental impact. In contrast, lithium batteries, particularly those containing cobalt, are more difficult and hazardous to recycle, often resulting in wasted materials and higher processing costs.

By improving the recyclability of batteries, sodium-ion technology promotes a circular economy, wherein battery components can be reused in new cells, reducing waste and lowering the demand for virgin materials. This makes sodium batteries an ideal choice for long-term sustainability, particularly in regions that are striving to minimise their environmental impact.