Introduction to Battery Integration
Batteries have become integral to modern life, powering everything from personal gadgets like laptops and mobile phones to critical infrastructure such as electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage systems. Recently, there has also been a trend toward integrating batteries directly into household appliances. This indicates a future where batteries will be pivotal in economic growth, energy security, and the clean energy transition.
Lithium-ion Batteries: Dominance and Challenges
Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology due to their high energy density, low self-discharge rates, and long cycle life. Global focus over the past two decades has improved their performance and manufacturing efficiency, driving costs down from $1,100 per kWh in the early 2010s to about $108 per kWh by 2025.
- Challenges include reliance on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
- Concentration of refining and processing capacities creates supply security vulnerabilities.
- Geopolitical risks associated with uneven distribution of resources.
India’s Battery Strategy
India is developing its domestic battery manufacturing through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells. However, the upstream ecosystem remains underdeveloped, leading to continued import dependence.
- Domestic lithium reserves are limited and not yet commercially viable.
- Processing infrastructure is nascent, emphasizing the need for alternative technologies.
Sodium-ion Batteries (SiBs): An Emerging Alternative
Sodium-ion batteries offer a promising alternative due to their abundant resource base and safer handling characteristics.
- They have lower specific energy than lithium-ion but can be competitive with optimizations.
- Layered oxide sodium-ion batteries approach the specific energy of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
- Safety advantages include lower peak temperature rises during thermal events.
- Can be stored and transported at zero volts without degradation, reducing costs.
Compatibility and Economic Advantages
Sodium-ion batteries are compatible with existing lithium-ion manufacturing infrastructure, requiring only minor modifications.
- Use of aluminium as current collectors reduces costs and dependence on volatile commodities.
- Cost savings and material abundance make them a commercially viable option.
- Projected to undercut lithium-ion costs by 2035.
Policy and Strategic Recommendations for India
To incorporate sodium-ion batteries effectively, India needs a coordinated policy approach.
- Support for upstream battery infrastructure should include sodium-ion chemistries.
- Flexibility in future incentive programs and plant designs to accommodate both battery types.
- Updating regulatory standards to include sodium-ion batteries.
- Encouraging dual-approval strategies for EV platforms.
- Public funding for R&D and demonstration projects to build market confidence.
Conclusion
By aligning industrial policy, regulation, and market incentives, India can foster a resilient battery ecosystem, with sodium-ion batteries playing a central role in achieving this objective.
