Sustainable European sodium-ion batteries for stationary applications featuring improved processes, inherently safe and non-toxic materials
The EU-funded SPRINT project is set to revolutionize the stationary energy storage sector by advancing sodium-ion battery technology, providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to lithium-based solutions. Over the next 46 months, a consortium of eight industries, two SMEs, and eight academic institutions (including one associated partner) will collaborate to develop and demonstrate two innovative quasi-solid-state sodium-ion batteries designed to meet the demands of stationary energy storage applications.
SPRINT’s approach focuses on utilizing abundant, non-toxic, and EU-sourced materials to enhance battery safety, performance, and scalability. Key innovations include:
- Optimized NFP cathode materials produced through novel synthesis techniques.
- Hard-carbon materials derived from a validated forest residue supply chain in Northern Europe.
- Quasi-solid-state polymer and composite electrolytes, offering a solvent-free alternative to flammable liquid electrolytes.
- Strategic interface optimizations to meet end-users' cells cycle life requirements.
- Scale dry electrode processing, incorporating PFAS-free binders to improve sustainability in battery manufacturing.
The project will demonstrate these next-generation batteries at two test sites:
- Austria – for hybrid portfolio integration and grid balancing services.
- Lithuania – supporting residential PV systems and boosting grid capacity for EV charging.
SPRINT is also engaging with international stakeholders in Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone to explore broader applications. The expected impact includes lower costs (0.04€/kWh/cycle), enhanced energy density (>200Wh/kg & >420Wh/L) and power output (>500W/kg), and extended cells' cycle life (>5,000 cycles)—all while ensuring safe, leak-free operation.
To accelerate commercialization and support market adoption, the Consortium established an Exploitation Board, ensuring that SPRINT’s innovations contribute to the rapid deployment of sustainable energy storage solutions across Europe and beyond.
CyberGrid’s role in the SPRINT project
As a key participant in the EU-funded SPRINT project, CyberGrid is spearheading efforts to demonstrate the performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of next-generation sodium-ion batteries across real-world use cases.
Optimizing battery integration and flexibility management
CyberGrid will define commercial specifications and testing protocols for the project's use cases, ensuring that the batteries meet the operational demands of diverse energy applications.
To enhance energy management, CyberNoc - CyberGrid’s flexibility management platform - will be leveraged with two cutting-edge features:
- Intraday State-of-Charge (SoC) Management, enabling efficient provision of balancing services even with limited storage capacity.
- Deviation Fighter, a hybrid flexibility solution integrating BESS with other flexibility sources like renewable energy sources (RES), electric vehicles (EVs), and commercial & industrial (C&I) assets to improve grid balancing capabilities.
Ensuring seamless demonstration and data-driven insights
CyberGrid will lead preparatory work at the demonstration sites, handling all necessary approvals, including environmental, construction, and grid-connection permits. The company will also conduct preliminary battery testing to ensure optimal functioning.
Once operational, CyberGrid will be responsible for real-time data monitoring of their respective battery, evaluating battery performance against key technical and commercial KPIs. This assessment will determine the suitability of SPRINT’s technology for broader applications with similar energy storage requirements.
Expanding SPRINT’s impact through international collaboration
To maximize SPRINT’s global reach, CyberGrid will drive international collaboration efforts. We will also prepare policy briefs for each use case, providing valuable insights to policymakers and certification bodies.
By leveraging its expertise in flexibility management and grid integration, CyberGrid is playing a crucial role in ensuring that the SPRINT project delivers a scalable, sustainable, and commercially viable energy storage solution.
European Commission Fact Sheet
- Project coordinator: Institut for Energiteknikk (IFE)
- R&D programme: Horizon Europe, Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Project starting date: 1st of January 2025
- Project end date: 31st of October 2028
- Project duration: 46 months
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the grant agreement Nº101191903. “Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the EU's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”
