Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt is working to add sodium-ion batteries to its portfolio, targeting energy storage demand in India, Middle East and Africa, Kallanish reports.

The company announced Tuesday a technology breakthrough achieved in partnership with compatriot sodium-ion battery developer Altris. The Northvolt sodium-ion cell has been validated for “best-in-class” energy density of over 160 watt-hours per kilogram.

“The world has put high hopes on sodium-ion, and I’m very pleased to say that we’ve developed a technology that will enable its widespread deployment to accelerate the energy transition,” comments Northvolt chief executive Peter Carlsson.

The cell is deemed to be safer, more cost-effective and more sustainable than conventional ternary or lithium-iron phosphate chemistries. It features Altris’ patented Prussian White cathode and is based on a hard carbon anode.

Northvolt plans to be the first to industrialise Prussian White-based batteries and bring them to commercial markets. The manufacturer says its low cost and safety at high temperatures make it especially attractive in upcoming solar-abundant markets. Another advantage cited by Northvolt is the ability to use locally sourced materials, developing new regional battery manufacturing capacity independent of traditionally battery value chains.

Currently, Northvolt manufactures premium lithium-ion battery cells for automotive customers. It’s also developing energy-dense lithium-metal battery technology for aviation and high-performance vehicles in the US.

The company has not provided a timeframe for the potential mass production of sodium-ion cells.

In a separate statement, Altris said it is in the process of raising series B financing to advance its commercialisation journey. The company is working to scale up the giga-manufacturing of its patented cathode material, key to enabling Northvolt to start mass production of the cells. Additionally, Altris is also eyeing its next density milestone – 200 Wh/kg and beyond.