Spain’s Bihar Batteries targets sodium-ion pilot cell line by 2027

San Sebastián-based Bihar Batteries plans to launch pilot sodium-ion cell and storage projects in 2026 before developing a pilot cell manufacturing line in 2027, with operations expected to begin in 2028.

The company told pv magazine it expects to launch its first pilot projects for both sodium-ion cells and complete storage systems in summer 2026. It aims to accelerate commercialization during the second half of the year through strategic agreements with companies including Battera and NX Technologies. Bihar’s prototypes integrate NX’s battery management system, which incorporates advanced sensors and pyrotechnic fuses designed to improve safety and enable faster responses to electrical incidents.

The pilot projects are intended to validate the technology in real-world conditions and support its transition to industrial-scale deployment.

Bihar Batteries has developed its proprietary sodium-ion cell technology in collaboration with Basque technology center CIC energiGUNE. Through the partnership, it has produced its first pouch-cell demonstrators, designed to optimize energy density and capacity retention under demanding thermal conditions.

The company expects to have a cell ready for industrialization before the end of this year, a key milestone on the path toward commercial-scale manufacturing.

Bihar’s market strategy focuses on commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage, particularly outdoor applications. According to the company, sodium-ion chemistry offers greater thermal stability, reducing reliance on complex cooling systems and lowering the total cost of ownership. It said this advantage is especially relevant for outdoor installations, where thermal management can account for a significant share of both capital and operating costs.

Pilot line

As the next step in its industrial roadmap, Bihar plans to establish a pilot cell manufacturing line in Spain’s Gipuzkoa province in 2027.

Bihar Batteries said the pilot line planned for 2027 will serve as the foundation for a future large-scale manufacturing facility and could pave the way for one of Europe’s first sodium-ion battery gigafactories.

The facility, expected to enter operation in 2028, will be used to validate industrial processes and lay the foundations for a future large-scale production plant. Bihar said it aims to demonstrate that Europe can compete not only in research and development, but also in the advanced manufacturing of energy storage technologies.

Bihar recently strengthened its financial position through a €2 million ($2.3 million) capital increase backed by international investors.

The company has also secured funding under both rounds of Spain’s PERTE programme for the renewable energy value chain.

The first project, awarded in 2025 and worth €2 million, focuses on battery materials manufacturing and battery pack assembly.

The second, recently awarded with an €8 million budget, will support the manufacturing and assembly of sodium-ion cells.

Bihar has also received institutional support from the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Government through its SPRI development agency.

From pv magazine España