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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Small 24/7 clean power commitments could cut costs for long-duration storage
TU Berlin researchers say early demand for round-the-clock carbon-free electricity could help bring advanced energy technologies to market faster through technology learning effects. Grant funding for the research was provided by Google, which has since announced plans to build the world’s largest iron-air battery.
All European sodium-ion battery manufacturers at a glance
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will place sodium batteries at the center of its work on the EU’s industrial strategy and is calling for swift action. pv magazine has compiled a list of manufacturers developing this technology in Europe.
Fraunhofer IEE calls for “grid-forming readiness” in distribution networks and BESS
A position paper from the Fraunhofer IEE proposes preparing large battery storage systems in the medium-voltage grid for grid-forming functions at an early stage. The "Grid-Forming Readiness" concept aims to close the regulatory gap between current planning and operation and future, as yet unknown, requirements and demands for grid-forming functions.
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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.
Jan 15, 2026
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.
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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.
New electrolyte design for long-life solid-state batteries
A Swiss research team has developed a low-temperature sintering and interface-coating process that significantly improves the durability of argyrodite-based solid-state batteries. The approach delivers high ionic conductivity and long cycle life, retaining 75% of capacity after 1,500 cycles.
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Sodium-ion battery cells already near lithium-ion cost parity, set to get cheaper
By 2050, sodium-ion batteries with fast learning rates could deliver storage at 11–14 €/MWh – cheaper than lithium-ion at 16–22 €/MWh – while also offering higher energy-to-power ratios and high cycle durability, a new research finds.
Cambridge startup claims its electrolytes can triple flow battery energy density
A startup led by Cambridge University scientists and the former chair of Oxford PV is attempting to commercialize flow battery electrolytes with greater energy density than vanadium-based batteries. Kodiaq Technologies claims its electrolytes can be deployed as a drop-in solution for redox flow batteries.
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