Iron and Sodium Next Generation Battery for Long Duration Energy Storage
Inlyte Energy, Inc.
Recipient
Recipient Location
$0
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
Inlyte has successfully developed several distinct battery cell designs and established key design parameters, such as the case diameter and wall thickness, which influence energy density. Module design has begun with a primary focus on the mechanical and electrical integration of the selected cells. Over the next year, Inlyte will design, assemble and internally test the module, and then begin external testing, including the completion of a test plan.
The Issue
Currently, lithium-ion cell chemistries are the primary option available for utility-scale energy storage. Unfortunately, lithium-ion has significant raw material supply chain risk, a limited operating temperature window, high cost at long duration, and safety concerns. To serve California’s needs, an energy storage system with cost parity to Li-ion or better, improved safety, and a secure and sustainable raw material supply chain must be developed and deployed.
Project Innovation
The project will develop and scale iron-sodium battery modules, which have a projected pathway to <$0.05/kWh levelized cost of storage while retaining performance in any climate and with an exceptional safety profile. Once the module is developed, it will be manufactured and undergo third party testing with a focus on validating performance targets and end use cases.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
Demonstrate a step change in product maturity by producing a market ready iron-sodium battery module. Potential benefits of this battery technology include:
- Annual bill savings for IOU ratepayers
- Reduced energy storage costs compared to Li-ion
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduction in embodied carbon per kWh relative to Li-ion
- Support California AB 1373 target to procure 1GW of 12+ hour duration storage and 1GW of multi-day storage between 2031 and 2037
- Eliminate thermal runaway risks for communities and utility workers
Affordability
This low-cost sodium-iron chloride module designed and developed in this project targets a levelized cost of storage of <$0.077/kWh for daily energy storage when produced commercially at megawatt-scale.
Reliability
This technology can provide over 20 hours of backup power, creating a “2-in-1” system design for daily cycling and long duration, in which deep discharges provide firm power to the grid in times of reliability events.
Safety
This iron-sodium energy storage technology offers a safer alternative to grid-scale lithium-ion batteries due to its resistance to thermal runaway propagation and lack of off gassing of hazardous materials.
Energy Security
A secure, sustainable supply chain enables a low risk and low environmental impact of the product supply chain from cradle-to-grave.
Key Project Members
Will Gent
Subrecipients
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