Sodium-ion battery technology reaches TRL-7 as Indian researchers move the technology closer to commercial deployment, with Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi saying large-scale growth could emerge within the next two to three years. TRL-7 means a working prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment, putting sodium-ion batteries beyond laboratory development and into a stage where pilot-to-commercial production becomes increasingly realistic.

The development comes as India rapidly expands energy storage to support a growing renewable-energy base. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates the country will need around 411 GWh of energy storage by 2031-32, while about 156 GWh of battery energy storage systems are already in process or implementation through tenders and placed orders.

Sodium-Ion Batteries Move Closer to Commercial Production

Speaking on the sidelines of the BNEF Summit, Sarangi said research into sodium-ion batteries is progressing, and some researchers have already reached TRL-7 and above.

Once a technology reaches this level of maturity, he expects the transition from pilot projects to commercial manufacturing to take roughly two to three years.

That could make sodium-ion technology an increasingly important part of India’s future storage mix, particularly as the country needs different battery technologies for different applications.

Why India Needs More Battery Technologies

India’s renewable-energy expansion is increasing the need for reliable energy storage.

• Solar and wind generation fluctuate depending on weather and time of day, creating a requirement for technologies that can store electricity and supply it when generation falls.
• Sarangi said alternative battery technologies are expected to play a growing role as energy storage requirements increase.
• The government is therefore looking beyond a single battery chemistry.
• Sodium-ion technology is progressing alongside vanadium flow batteries and other storage solutions.

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Vanadium Flow Batteries Also Gain Ground

Domestic manufacturers are developing supply capacity for vanadium flow batteries, according to Sarangi.

NTPC Green Energy Limited has already placed an order for 100 MW of vanadium flow battery capacity. Sarangi expects prices to decline as demand and production volumes increase.

Higher manufacturing volumes could ultimately make the technology more competitive and expand its role in India’s long-duration energy-storage market.

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India Building Toward 411 GWh of Storage

India’s current installed storage capacity remains below the long-term requirement, but the pipeline of projects is growing rapidly.

Sarangi said approximately 156 GWh of battery energy storage systems are currently under implementation or being developed through tenders and orders. Based on this pipeline, he said India is on track to reach the CEA’s 411 GWh requirement earlier than 2031-32.

This growing storage market could provide an important domestic demand base for emerging battery technologies.

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Recycling and Domestic Manufacturing Remain Priorities

Battery deployment also raises questions about what happens to batteries after their useful life. The government is addressing battery recycling under India’s existing e-waste rules, with additional details possible if required.

At the same time, the government is considering a new scheme to expand domestic polysilicon manufacturing. Sarangi said the earlier Production Linked Incentive scheme is expected to create only limited polysilicon capacity compared with India’s future requirements.

The government is considering at least 30 GW of additional polysilicon capacity by 2030 to strengthen energy security and manufacturing resilience.

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A Wider Opportunity for India’s Energy Storage Industry

The Sodium-ion battery technology reaches TRL-7 is significant because India will need multiple storage technologies as renewable generation expands. Sodium-ion batteries could move into commercial production within a few years if pilot projects successfully demonstrate cost, performance and manufacturing reliability.

For now, the technology remains part of a broader storage transition rather than a replacement for existing lithium-ion systems. But with India’s projected demand reaching hundreds of gigawatt-hours, the market could be large enough to support several competing battery technologies.

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