Qianjiang, a city in Hubei Province, China, hosts the world’s largest sodium-ion battery system. This cutting-edge system is essential for storing renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The facility was connected to the grid at the end of June and uses sodium-ion batteries manufactured by HiNa Battery, making it a remarkable development in the renewable energy sector.
The groundbreaking system has a capacity to store up to 100 MWh of electricity and distribute it to 12,000 homes for their daily needs. This helps reduce carbon emissions by 13,000 tons annually. It surpasses the previous record holder in Nanning, southwest China, with a 10 MWh capacity. In the next phase, the facility aims to increase its storage capacity to 200 MWh.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries commonly used in electronic devices and electric vehicles, sodium-ion batteries offer significant advantages for large-scale energy storage. They are more abundant, easier to obtain, scalable, safer and perform well in extreme temperatures. This makes them an ideal alternative for renewable energy storage in harsh environments where lithium-ion batteries may face issues like fire risk and suboptimal performance.
As we move towards a world powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, storing electricity for later use is crucial in ensuring stability and reliability. Systems like the sodium-ion battery in Qianjiang will play a significant role in this transition by contributing to a greener future and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.