Project Description

The Center for Energy Research’s partnership with Natron Energy exemplifies the long-term collaboration necessary to bring innovative technologies from concept to market. Early support from the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E CHARGES program enabled critical testing and development. Later, we worked with Natron to secure California Energy Commission funding, ensuring continuous progress and access to advanced resources. As Natron’s technology advanced, CER’s Energy Storage group provided the advanced equipment and expertise required for module and system testing. Over the past six years, we’ve supported Natron through multiple stages of development, progressing from single-cell evaluation to system-level testing and high-power demonstrations. In August 2024, Natron announced its plans build a $1.4 billion battery factory in North Carolina, positioning them as a leader in sodium-ion battery commercialization. The research collaboration between CER and Natron highlights the unique value of partnerships between research institutions and industry. For battery, energy storage, and clean energy companies seeking to advance new energy technologies, our partnership with Natron demonstrates the power of sustained collaboration and the impact of aligning expertise, resources, and vision.

UC San Diego is conducting a real-world demonstration of Natron Energy’s advanced sodium-ion battery technology, focusing on high-power applications like EV fast charging.

Why Sodium-Ion?

• Safer than lithium-ion – Completely fire-safe, non-flammable chemistry.
• Long-lasting – High-cycle life for demanding grid and transportation applications.
• Sustainable & Scalable – Uses readily available elements, unlike lithium-based alternatives.

The project involves integrating Natron’s 400VDC sodium-ion battery system into commercial EV fast chargers at UC San Diego, evaluating:

• Battery lifespan and degradation over a 6-month outdoor demonstration.
• Energy efficiency & grid benefits when paired with fast chargers.
• Performance under real-world conditions, including high-demand charging scenarios.

Project Goals & Objectives
1. Validate Sodium-Ion Battery Performance in EV Fast Charging
Assess charging speed, power output, and energy efficiency in real-world use.

2. Demonstrate Grid Benefits of Sodium-Ion Storage
Test how sodium-ion batteries can reduce stress on campus electrical infrastructure.

3. Compare Against Conventional Lithium-Ion Solutions
Evaluate advantages in safety, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness.

4. Support Commercialization & Industry Adoption
Provide data for future deployment in large-scale energy storage and mobility applications.

Testing & Research Approach
UC San Diego is executing a two-phase evaluation:

1. Lab Testing & Initial System Validation (Completed & Ongoing)
Conducted in controlled lab conditions to characterize battery efficiency, charge/discharge rates, and thermal performance.

2. 6-Month Outdoor Demonstration (January 2024 – Mid-Year 2024)

Deploying sodium-ion batteries at ESIL’s EV fast charging site to evaluate:

• Real-world cycling performance under high-power charging loads.
• Battery resilience in varying environmental conditions.
• Impact on campus microgrid and overall energy efficiency.

Project Results
(Results will be updated as testing progresses.)

Initial Findings:‍

• System successfully integrated into UCSD’s EV fast charging network.
• Early performance data shows promise in cycle life, safety, and efficiency.
• Battery response times align with fast-charging demands, supporting scalability in mobility applications.

Next Steps:‍

• Monitor & optimize system performance over the next 6 months.
• Analyze grid integration benefits for wider utility-scale applications.
• Report final findings to the California Energy Commission and industry partners.

This project positions sodium-ion technology as a viable alternative to lithium-ion, paving the way for safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable energy storage solutions.

Partners & Stakeholders‍

• Natron Energy – Sodium-ion battery developer and project sponsor.
• UC San Diego – Host site, research partner, and system operator.
• California Energy Commission (CEC) – Primary funding agency for RD&D.