As Serbia mulls lithium mine, Bulgaria, Slovenia explore sodium-ion as alternative

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As tens of thousands of Serbians rally in opposition to the contentious lithium mining project planned by company Rio Tinto in Jadar, west Serbia, an alternative is being investigated elsewhere in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

A crucial material for enabling the EU to meet its 2030 climate goals may lie within an everyday household staple: table salt, according to Slovakia-based think tank Globsec.

The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2022, aims to secure a reliable supply of critical raw materials such as lithium. However, it does not yet fully account for the promise of sodium as a more abundant and cleaner alternative. 

Nevertheless, sodium, a component of sodium chloride, is emerging as a potential challenger to the dominance of lithium-ion batteries, Globsec wrote.

CEE plays role in sodium-ion testing

The NAIMA project brings together 15 partners from 8 European countries, including significant participation from CEE.

Bulgarian SME GOLDLINE is testing Na-ion prototypes, assessing their effectiveness in local contexts and exploring their potential for regional markets. Meanwhile, researchers from the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, have developed new methodologies to improve the behaviour of carbons used as anodes in Na-ion batteries.

Supported by a nearly EUR 8mn grant from EU research and innovation project Horizon2020, NAIMA (Na Ion Materials As Essential Components To Manufacture Robust Battery Cells For Non-Automotive Applications) aims to advance sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery technology as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. 

The 36-month initiative focuses on developing Na-ion batteries for non-automotive applications, with testing planned in real-world environments such as renewable energy systems, industrial settings, and private households. 

By leveraging local resources and reducing reliance on non-European supply chains, NAIMA would also enhance the competitiveness of CEE industries in the battery sector in the future. 

Sodium more abundant, sustainable than lithium

Currently, the EU imports 81% of its extracted lithium and 100% of its processed lithium, Globsec adds, creating a heavy dependence on external sources, particularly China, which manufactures the majority of the world’s lithium-ion batteries.

According to Horizon magazine, which is funded by the European Commission (EC), Dr. John Abou-Rjeily, a researcher at Tiamat Energy, is leading efforts to develop sodium-ion batteries, which offer advantages over their lithium-ion counterparts. Unlike lithium, sodium is abundant and non-toxic, making it a more sustainable choice. “Sodium-ion batteries are based on more abundant and safer materials than lithium-ion batteries,” said Abou-Rjeily, emphasizing the critical need to reduce Europe’s dependence on scarce and often environmentally damaging materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

Moreover, Na-ion batteries are cheaper to produce and could play a crucial role in stationary energy storage solutions, such as home energy systems and power tools. Although they may not yet match the energy density of lithium-ion batteries for long-range electric vehicles, sodium-ion batteries could be a game-changer for short to medium driving distances, making them a competitive option for small electric vehicles, Horizon adds.

Europe could become sodium-ion battery market leader

Sodium is more accessible and can be extracted sustainably through methods that have far less environmental impact, Globsec wrote, addng that this comparative advantage could position Europe as a leader in the global Na-ion battery market, reducing the continent’s dependence on lithium.

The European market is heavily dominated by lithium-ion technology, and the infrastructure for sodium-ion battery production is still in its infancy. Additionally, integrated recycling systems for sodium-ion batteries need to be developed to ensure their sustainability, Globsec wrote.

Nevertheless, the EU has begun to recognize the potential of sodium-ion technology, according to Horizon. EU-funded projects such as NAIMA and Sustainable Innovation of Microbiome Applications in the Food System (SIMBA) are advancing the research and development of sodium-ion batteries, aiming to position Europe as a global hub for sustainable battery technology. The Batt4EU Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) further outlines sodium as a promising avenue for the EU’s green growth, the magazine adds.

Sodium strategy required

For Europe to fully capitalise on sodium-ion technology, a comprehensive and specific strategy is needed, Globsec wrote, adding that this strategy should include long-term funding for research and development, investment in manufacturing facilities, and the education and training of a skilled workforce in the alternative battery sector. Such a strategy would drive economic growth and strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in the green transition.

Magdalena Graczyk-Zajac, a visiting professor at the Technical University Darmstadt, told Horizon that the integration of sodium-ion batteries into home energy systems could revolutionize transportation and energy consumption. “You could be driving your car for free for eight to nine months of the year,” she said, envisioning a future where energy captured by home photovoltaic panels is stored in sodium-ion batteries, powering both homes and electric vehicles.

While lithium-ion batteries have been central to the current energy transition, the rise of sodium-ion technology offers an alternative that could address many of the sustainability challenges associated with lithium, Globsec concluded.