UNIGRID Secures $2.9 Million Grant for New Sodium-Ion Battery Plant in San Diego

## UNIGRID Secures $2.9M for Sodium-Ion Battery Plant in San Diego

UNIGRID, Inc. has successfully secured a grant of $2.9 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC). This funding is part of the Realizing Accelerated Manufacturing and Production for Clean Energy Technologies (RAMP) program, aimed at advancing innovative clean energy technologies towards larger-scale production. The grant will facilitate the establishment of a pilot production unit for sodium-ion batteries.

### Advancing Sodium-Ion Technology

The new facility will cover an area of 12,000 square feet and will be located in Sorrento Valley, San Diego. UNIGRID plans to design, construct, and validate a Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) line dedicated to sodium-ion battery cells. This line is projected to achieve annual production volumes at the megawatt-hour (MWh) scale. A notable aspect of this initiative is that the pilot line will act as a testbed for scaling up UNIGRID’s battery technology, which is characterized by its high security. The sodium-ion batteries are designed without critical materials like lithium, nickel, cobalt, or copper, allowing them to function in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 60°C. Furthermore, these batteries can endure up to 10,000 full charge-discharge cycles at 100% depth of discharge and can recharge in just 15 minutes, with a full discharge taking only five minutes.

### Reducing Global Supply Chain Risks

UNIGRID’s transition to sodium-ion technology is seen as a strategic measure to mitigate supply chain risks. Given the geopolitical pressures and material shortages affecting lithium-ion battery production, sodium-ion batteries present a viable alternative that does not rely on scarce materials. The cells have successfully met international standards such as UN 38.3 and UL 9540A, ensuring their safe transportation and integration into energy storage systems.

Chief Technology Officer Erik A. Wu, who also serves as the Principal Investigator for the project, expressed his enthusiasm for the funding, stating, “This CEC support marks a major step forward in the development of our technology.” He emphasized the importance of sodium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage applications and extended his gratitude to the CEC for recognizing their potential industrial impact.

### Scaling Up Innovation

The new facility will prepare UNIGRID for industrial-scale production while fostering innovation in battery technologies. The pilot line will help validate the commercial viability of sodium-ion batteries, demonstrating their readiness for broader adoption in energy storage systems. By embracing sodium-ion technology, UNIGRID contributes to California’s clean energy goals and aids in stabilizing global energy storage supply chains. The CEC funding ensures that this innovative development will address the rising demand for effective and scalable energy solutions.

Through this project, UNIGRID is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving energy market. The launch of this production line marks a significant milestone for the energy storage ecosystem. As industries and governments seek alternatives to lithium-based batteries, sodium-ion technology is emerging as an attractive choice for sustainable and scalable solutions. This groundbreaking project in San Diego lays the groundwork for UNIGRID’s long-term growth in renewable energy storage. With enhanced production capabilities and refined technologies, sodium-ion batteries are poised to play a crucial role in clean energy systems worldwide.

Disclaimer: The information presented here has not been manually verified by our team. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult with appropriate professionals or sources before making any decisions based on this content.