3 6 Ke·2026-01-21 01:04Core Viewpoint - The sodium battery industry in China is entering a commercialization phase, with annual shipments expected to exceed 3.7 GWh by 2025, marking a significant milestone despite being far behind lithium battery giants [1][2]. Industry Overview - The sodium battery industry is poised for growth, driven by rising lithium carbonate prices, which have surged to as high as 179,000 yuan/ton, prompting interest in sodium batteries as a cost-effective alternative [3][5]. - The industry is characterized by a dual structure, with established lithium battery leaders like CATL and BYD alongside emerging sodium battery companies such as Zhongke Haina and Sodium Innovation Energy [3][7]. Market Dynamics - The year 2026 is being marked as the "year of sodium battery industrialization," with companies ramping up production lines and securing orders in response to market demand [3][5]. - The sodium battery's advantages include abundant raw materials, stable pricing of sodium carbonate, and superior low-temperature performance and safety features compared to lithium batteries [1][3]. Challenges and Pressures - The sodium battery industry faces significant challenges, including capacity bottlenecks, performance gaps compared to lithium batteries, and an immature supply chain [3][9]. - Current sodium battery energy densities range from 100 to 160 Wh/kg, while lithium iron phosphate batteries achieve 160 to 200 Wh/kg, indicating a need for technological advancements [9]. Standardization Efforts - The establishment of a comprehensive standardization framework is underway, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology guiding the development of national and industry standards for sodium batteries [4][15]. - Existing standards are insufficient, particularly in areas such as safety, performance requirements, and testing methods for specific sodium battery applications [14][16]. Future Outlook - The sodium battery industry is expected to see increased investment and development, with major players like CATL and BYD committing to large-scale applications in various sectors [7][8]. - The industry's growth will depend on overcoming current challenges, including production capacity, cost competitiveness, and the establishment of a robust standardization system [9][12].