
3 minute read
Think sodium-ion batteries: Think MEP Technologies
Here at Business & Industry Today, we celebrate innovation and the battery sector right now is brimming with dynamic innovation. MEP Technologies is our end of year recommendation for cutting-edge design and manufacturing of battery systems.
Sodium batteries are fast becoming the ‘dark horse’, in the race to find robust alternatives to lithium batteries. Lithium natural reserves are not inexhaustible and with the current demand driving prices through the roof, many in the industry are speculating that the days of lithium (nicknamed ‘white gold’) might be numbered. Sodium batteries offer a low-cost alternative, are readily available and considerably safer. Sodium is the sixth most abundant natural element sourced in the earth's crust, which is prized highly for many battery manufacturers. With ongoing fire safety concerns around lithium batteries, sodium cells are resistant to explosion, thermal runaway events (fires) or short circuits. What’s more they can weather extreme low and high temperatures, with the capacity to operate between –20°C to 60°C. This is in comparison to lithium cells which have a markedly more limited temperature range from 0°C to 50°C. Most importantly, the raw materials for sodium can be extracted at much lower costs, with lower energy usage than lithium, making this the more considered sustainable choice.

Dundee powerhouse MEP Technologies is already ahead of the curve and has designed the 2kWh sodium-ion battery module. The sodium battery has triangular benefits: cost-effective, safer and more sustainable. This is a game-changer in battery energy storage systems (BESS), storing excess energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar for later use. The UK Government has predicted that BESS could essentially save the UK energy system up to £40 billion by 2050. Furthermore, strategic research provider: BNEF has estimated that sodium-ion batteries have the capacity to reach pack densities of almost 150 watt-hours per kilogram by 2025. If you’re looking for cutting-edge sodium-ion battery modules, MEP Technologies are happy to offer consultation and products for your BESS today.

MEP Technologies have been at the heart of battery system design and manufacturing for decades and can offer bespoke battery systems to many applications including: e-mobility, automotive, commercial and small-packs. With an onus on driving the carbon neutral economy, the Scottish company have already worked on a landmark collaborative project on e-battery technology for HGVs. Funded by Innovate UK, part of the £20 Million zero emission road freight trial from the Department for Transport, MEP Technologies is helping work towards a safer, carbon neutral road freight system.
For more information on the exciting potential of sodium-ion battery modules, contact MEP Technologies today.
T +44 (0)7468 859486
enquiries@meptec.co.uk
https://meptec.co.uk