Sineng Electric unveils world's most extensive sodium-ion energy storage system

The Chinese energy company Sineng Electric has announced the launch of the world's most extensive energy storage system based on sodium-ion cells. The first phase of the project is already operational and is set to be further expanded in the future.

In its current phase, the Sineng Electric storage system has a power output of 50 MW and a capacity of 100 MWh. Ultimately, upon completion of all project phases, it is expected to reach a power output of 100 MW and a capacity of 200 MWh. Even now, in its initial version, the storage system is capable of powering approximately 12,000 households, significantly contributing to the power grid's stability.

This project consists of 42 BESS containers (battery energy storage systems), which contain batteries with a capacity of 185 Ah. The system comprises 21 power conversion systems and a station that steps up the voltage to 110 kV. According to information provided by Datang Hubei Energy, energy storage began on 2 July, while the storage system was connected to the grid on 30 June.

One of the main goals of this project is to stabilise the power grid, which is particularly important given the variability of renewable energy production. Energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind farms depend on weather conditions, leading to varying energy production both annually and daily.

Pv magazine reports that the Sineng Electric project in Hubei demonstrates that sodium-ion technology can become crucial in future power grids. The company emphasises that sodium-ion batteries exhibit better performance at low temperatures, greater efficiency, and higher safety levels than traditional lithium-ion solutions.

In the project, Sineng Electric implemented advanced technological solutions, such as a cluster-level energy management system, which allows for the optimal use of sodium-ion batteries. The company is also undertaking other significant energy storage projects in China, including in the Shandong province, and has partnered with the German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies AG.