Rethinking battery strategy in India: the case for sodium-ion technology, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Lithium-ion batteries dominate the global market due to their high energy density and long cycle life, with costs decreasing from $1,100 per kWh in the early 2010s to $108 per kWh in 2025.
• India's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to establish 40 GWh of domestic battery manufacturing capacity, but only a little over 1 GWh has been commissioned so far.
• Sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) offer a promising alternative due to the abundant availability of raw materials and enhanced safety features.
• Sodium-ion battery manufacturing capacity is expanding globally, projected to reach nearly 400 GWh by 2030.

Detailed Insights:

• Lithium-ion battery production relies on geographically concentrated critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, creating supply chain vulnerabilities.
• India's limited lithium reserves and nascent processing infrastructure necessitate exploring alternative battery technologies like sodium-ion batteries to enhance energy security.
• Sodium-ion batteries use aluminum current collectors, which are safer and more cost-effective than the copper used in lithium-ion batteries, allowing for safer storage and transportation.
• Existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing infrastructure can be adapted for sodium-ion battery production with minor modifications, reducing capital investment barriers.
• Policy recommendations include updating the PLI scheme to support sodium-ion battery manufacturing and encouraging EV manufacturers to approve vehicle platforms using sodium-ion batteries.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: A government initiative to boost domestic manufacturing by providing financial incentives.
• Energy Density: The amount of energy a battery can store relative to its weight (Wh/kg) or volume (Wh/L).
• Cathode/Anode: The positive (cathode) and negative (anode) electrodes in a battery that facilitate the flow of electrical current.