BY AGLAÉ BANGE
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are dominant across a wide range of energy storage applications, but a new technology could pose a serious challenge. Last year, following major strides by Chinese manufacturers, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) made a strong entrance on the market, offering several key advantages over lithium.
In 2025, SIBs accounted for less than 1% of global battery energy storage production, but their share could grow significantly by 2030. Free from nickel and cobalt, and instead relying on more abundant and affordable materials, SIBs are also less prone to fire and can retain most of their performance across a wider temperature range.
Given these advantages, LIB manufacturers are taking notice. Yet, so far, Japan appears to have overlooked SIBs. Despite a desire to compete with China in the clean energy sector, seen by strong state support around, for example, perovskite solar cells, and heightened concern over critical metals supply, Japan has shown surprisingly limited interest in developing SIBs domestically.
Is Japan missing a strategic new opportunity, or is its indifference justified?