The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will put sodium batteries at the heart of its work on the EU industrial strategy and calls for swift action. pv magazine has compiled a list of manufacturers developing this technology in Europe.
Sodium-ion batteries are becoming a major focus for the European Union (EU), and the next EU budget should provide funding for the sector, according to European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) President Séamus Boland.
“Sodium batteries, and batteries in general, are crucial to the EU’s competitive advantage, and it is urgent that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) recognizes this by providing the necessary funds for the sector,” Boland said. The MFF, the EU’s long-term spending plan, typically covers seven years. The next cycle runs from 2028 to 2034.
The EESC considers sodium batteries to be a technology of strategic importance and wants them to become a central part of the EU industrial strategy. The advisory body emphasized that sodium-ion technology can provide a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
The EESC has called for an updated battery policy and an “industrial pathway” that includes both lithium and sodium technologies. This includes investments in capabilities and companies, together with public support mechanisms ranging from subsidies and tax breaks to joint public-private research and development. Support for sodium-based storage would also reduce the EU’s exposure to supply chain vulnerabilities, the committee noted, as sodium is widely available across the continent.
“China is currently the world leader in battery technology and has invested €1.2 billion in research and innovation over the past decade,” said Fabrice Stassin, Secretary General of the European Battery Alliance Association (BEPA). “Our journey is just beginning. We must build on our existing strengths, ensure innovation translates into production and strengthen what works with strategic support.”
It is expected that the European Energy Committee (EEC) will continue to address sodium batteries in upcoming opinions and discussions with stakeholders. It also plans a specific study “aimed at firmly placing sodium batteries on the European industrial agenda.”
Made in Europe
In 2025, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported that sodium-ion batteries (SIB) could deliver significant cost savings in applications such as electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage. Some manufacturers expect the cost of SIB cells to drop to as low as $40/kWh once production scales up.
Several European manufacturers have invested in the technology. Leading companies currently operating or close to commercial production include:
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Bihar Batteries (Spain): Startup plans to commercialize sodium-ion batteries in 2026.
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Tiamat Energy (France): Specialized in powerful cells with fast charging in 5 minutes; launched a 6 GWh production line at the end of 2023.
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Altris AB (Sweden): Produces commercial cells with performance comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP); is working with Draslovka to scale up production in the Czech Republic.
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Faradion Limited (UK): Global pioneer in affordable transport and stationary storage solutions; now owned by the Indian group Reliance.
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Phenogie (Switzerland): It recently exited stealth mode by installing Europe’s largest sodium storage system (about 1 MWh) in Germany.
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AMTE Power (UK): Focused on high-quality sodium cells for niche applications; At the beginning of 2024, FRP Advisory sold its assets to the Dutch company LionVolt.
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LiNa Energy (UK): Developing alternative solid state sodium technologies.
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