Technologies
Energy storage systems come in many forms, leveraging different technology types. A class of electrochemical storage, lithium-ion batteries have established themselves as the industry standard.
But there are many new technologies vying for their market share.
Sodium-ion batteries are widely considered a sustainable and resource-saving answer to future energy storage, while flow batteries offer a viable alternative in long-duration storage applications.
However, the path to commercialization is not a straightforward one.
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Latest News
Sodium-ion batteries: Unigrid begins commercial-scale deliveries; Altris and Draslovka partner to scale Europe’s supply chain
With lithium prices reaching a two-year high in early 2026, sodium-ion batteries are once again in the spotlight, as innovators on both sides of the Atlantic announce major milestones.
Jan 16, 2026
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Australia’s national science agency puts battery chemistries to test in tropical conditions
Researchers from Australia’s national science agency have teamed with Malaysian authorities to explore how different battery chemistries perform under tropical stressors like heat, humidity and corrosion, and what this means for durability, safety and cost-effectiveness.
GES rolls out manganese-hydrogen battery with significant cost edge over lithium-ion
According to GES, the manganese-hydrogen battery it has developed represents an advanced solution for long-duration energy storage. The technology enables energy to be stored for many hours or even days, overcoming the structural limitations of lithium-ion batteries, which are primarily designed for short-duration applications.
Why sodium-ion can’t yet challenge lithium-ion’s reign
A new generation of sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery cells has been launched as an alternative to the virtual monopoly of lithium-ion (Li-ion). Although the technology is unlikely to displace significant Li-ion market share, recent improvements make Na-ion a viable solution for certain niche applications, with potential for wider usage if cost becomes competitive.
Dutch long-duration energy storage project targets sub-€50/kWh costs with innovative technologies
The SLDBatt project brings together TRL 7 battery technologies – including molten sodium‑salt, saltwater acid–base flow, and hydrogen–iron flow batteries – to deliver an innovative and cost-effective long-duration energy storage solution.
Grid-forming inverters significantly enhance grid stability, US national lab finds
The Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative in Hawaii, which deployed storage before grid-forming inverters became available, became a test case for diagnosing grid issues that can arise with older grid-following inverters, and how grid-forming inverters can stabilize a grid.
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All Technologies news
Faster, cleaner way to extract lithium from battery waste
The microwave-based process developed by researchers at Rice University in Texas, US, can retrieve as much as 50% of lithium from spent cathodes in as little as 30 seconds, overcoming a significant bottleneck in lithium ion battery recycling.
Safe, long-cyclable lithium metal battery for high temperatures
A research team at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has developed a new generation of lithium metal batteries, representing a significant advancement in the field. The innovation centers on microcrack-free polymer electrolytes, which promise extended lifespan and enhanced safety at temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius.
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Achieving unprecedented cyclability of flowless zinc-bromine battery
Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea have developed a novel electrode that effectively suppresses the harmful self-discharge phenomenon in flowless zinc-bromine batteries and enables long-term operation of more than 10,000 cycles.
New cathode material for high energy density sodium-ion batteries
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany have successfully synthesized, for the first time, a new cathode active material with a specific capacity of 190 mAh/g, potentially paving the way to high energy density sodium-ion batterieies.
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Energy-storing carbon fibre composites pave the way to weightless batteries
Building on research work at Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology, Sinonus has developed carbon fiber-based structural batteries that not only store energy but also become an integral part of a product's structure. Their possible span of energy density is said to be around 25-50% of a conventional lithium-ion battery at current technology level.
Brazil’s strategic R&D initative helps learn about energy storage integration into the grid
A total of BRL 300 million ($ 55.5 million) has been allocated to 20 projects proposed by 13 companies. The Brazilian National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) announced the results of the winning projects, which should help inform future integration of energy storage projects.
Volytica, Sinovoltaics launch new analysis service for 100% battery pack review at factory
The newly launched BESSential analysis goes deeper than traditional Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), which is performed at the container level. The service evaluates each battery energy storage system pack down to the cell level and detects and corrects thermal, electrical, and capacity imbalance issues. The analysis is performed directly at the factory, reducing the risk of post-deployment setbacks.
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