Energy Storage

nanoCaps is a Norwegian startup specialized in developing supercapacitor electrodes. IDTechEx spoke with CEO Egill Elvestad and Chairman and Co-founder Per Øhlckers of nanoCaps. This profile is based on the interview in March 2025.

Battery raw materials are in the spotlight as lithium-ion demand surges alongside growing emphasis on sustainability. Variations in material emission intensities suggest that major decarbonization opportunities exist in raw materials sourcing.

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a next-generation alternative to lead-acid starter batteries, offering longer lifespan, higher depth of discharge, and improved low-temperature performance. Unlike lead-acid, which suffers from high self-discharge and maintenance requirements, sodium-ion provides a maintenance-free, reliable solution with 100% depth of discharge and faster recharge rates, making it well-suited for stop-start systems. Industry leaders like Clarios are actively developing low-voltage Na-ion starter batteries, while companies such as Paragonage, Nadion, Sodion, Highstar, and Biwatt have already released specifications. Currently in the validation phase, sodium-ion starter batteries are expected to scale from a few hundred units in 2024 to 350,000 vehicles by 2030, achieving a 110% CAGR. While initial adoption will focus on premium vehicles, emerging markets are likely to drive aftermarket adoption from 2027 onwards, positioning sodium-ion as a high-performance, cost-efficient alternative to lead-acid.

This premium article provides an introduction into LMFP cathodes for Li-ion batteries.

Second-life EV battery assessments can be carried out using diagnostic tools and software, with some newer approaches taking just ten minutes instead of a few hours with regular cycling methods. Second-life battery repurposing and accurate battery health assessments will become increasingly important alongside the growing availability of end-of-life (EOL) EV batteries.

Innovation map of sodium-ion technology and its performance timeline.

Innovation map of sodium-ion cathode and anode chemistries.

Innovation map of sodium-ion battery player landscape.

Coslight Technology International Group, established in 1987 and entering the lithium-ion battery sector in 1998, is a prominent Chinese company specializing in energy storage solutions. Its portfolio spans lithium-ion, lithium polymer, and lead-acid batteries, as well as applications in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and backup power systems. Over the years, Coslight has diversified its offerings to include advanced battery technologies such as NCA + silicon anode batteries, solid polymer electrolyte batteries, and lithium-sulfur batteries. These innovations reflect the company's commitment to addressing the evolving demands of energy storage and mobility markets.

Peak Energy is a U.S.-based company developing sodium-ion battery energy storage systems aimed at providing cost-effective, large-scale solutions for the renewable energy sector. The company plans to begin system deployment in 2025 and establish a domestic gigafactory by 2027. Its team includes professionals with experience from Tesla, Northvolt, SunPower, Fluence, and Enovix, and it is focused on vertically integrating sodium-ion technology for grid applications in collaboration with independent power producers and utilities.

Innovation map of trends in global aerogel manufacturing capacity and revenue.

Innovation map of aerogels as fire protection materials for electric vehicles.

Innovation map for the aerogel manufacturing process and players.

Global collaboration and innovation are rapidly advancing sodium-ion battery technology, with improved performance, thermal stability, and hybrid system integration. Cost projections suggest Na-ion could reach parity with LFP by 2030, positioning it as a competitive alternative for energy storage and mobility. This Premium Article includes some key highlights of sodium-ion cell technology made at the International Battery Seminar in Orlando, Florida.

This premium article explores technology trends in ion exchange membranes for green hydrogen.

This premium article covers the development of metal oxide and other high-rate anode materials.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are heralded as a transformative innovation in energy storage (ES), offering numerous advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. These benefits position SSBs as a cornerstone of the next generation of battery technologies, with the potential to reshape industries reliant on ES.

Sodium-ion batteries are gaining traction in the U.S. as a promising alternative for data centers and UPS systems, thanks to their thermal stability (-40°C to 60°C), which reduces cooling costs. Their adoption is further supported by the Inflation Reduction Act's 30% tax credit for standalone energy storage, available until 2032. The U.S. holds a strong supply advantage, producing 12 million metric tons of natural soda ash in 2024, primarily from cost-effective and eco-friendly trona deposits. However, domestic Na-ion battery manufacturing remains limited, with no large-scale production of transition metal oxide sodium-ion cells. To address this, the DOE launched the $50M LENS Consortium in November 2024, focusing on cathode and electrolyte innovations rather than immediate commercialization. A 2024 DOE report found Na-ion battery costs to be among the highest for long-duration energy storage (LDES), largely based on sodium layered oxides, but China's shift toward Prussian white cathodes and hard carbon anodes could improve cost competitiveness. Despite these challenges, U.S. companies like Natron Energy, Unigrid Battery, Peak Energy, and Nadion Energy are emerging as key players in the Na-ion space.

SECH SA develops and supplies customized energy storage and power delivery solutions for various sectors including automotive, transportation, electricity generation/distribution, and industrial applications.

This premium article discusses global suppliers of lithium-based materials.