A pioneering consortium of 15 companies and universities, spearheaded by the innovative battery firm VARTA, has recently unveiled their ambitious project known as ‘ENTISE’. This groundbreaking venture aims to revolutionize the future of energy storage by developing cutting-edge, high-performing, and eco-friendly cells utilizing sodium-ion technology.
Sodium-ion batteries are poised to redefine the landscape of sustainable and resource-efficient energy storage in the years to come. With sodium being abundant, cost-effective, safe, and easily recyclable, this technology holds immense promise. However, the challenge lies in transforming this potential into scalable and industrially applicable cells.
The primary objective of the ENTISE project is to design a cost-effective, high-performance cell chemistry for sodium-ion batteries, and subsequently, translate this innovation into practical cell formats suitable for a wide range of industries and end-use applications.
With the generous support of approximately €7.5 million in grants from the Federal Ministry of Research and Education, this project is poised to pave the way for sustainable sodium-ion batteries. Rainer Hald, the CTO of VARTA AG, has emphasized the significance of this project as a pivotal milestone in the evolution of sustainable sodium-ion batteries within the German battery community.
Hald further highlighted the pressing need for innovative and robust storage technologies that complement the existing lithium-ion technology. Sodium-ion batteries are positioned to play a crucial and sustainable role in the decarbonization and electrification of various sectors, thereby actively shaping the energy and mobility transition.
The governmental funding of the ENTISE project underscores the strategic importance of advancing cutting-edge battery technology within Germany and Europe. In addition to developing new material concepts and processes, the project places a strong emphasis on enhancing the storage capacities of both the cathode and anode.
This involves refining the materials used, including the electrolytes, while also focusing on improving cycle stability. The ability to maintain stable cell performance even after repeated charging and discharging is a key priority, which will be achieved through the development and utilization of innovative materials, as well as optimized electrode materials and coatings.
A pivotal aspect of the project entails the production of ample quantities of essential materials for constructing resilient laboratory samples and prototypes in round cell design. As the project progresses, the components will be upscaled and transitioned from the laboratory to the pre-industrial sector through collaborative efforts between industrial and institute partners.
The ultimate goal of this upscaling phase is to produce a small series of round cells, enabling a reliable assessment of their properties in practical application scenarios such as electric vehicles and stationary storage systems. The consortium has set mid-2027 as the target timeline for the final phase of the project, signifying the dedicated efforts and extensive research involved in this cutting-edge initiative.