As lithium-ion demand surges China is betting big on sodium-ion batteries. Explore the massive new 20 GWh plant and the industrial hub making this cheaper, sustainable tech a reality.
While the world’s hunger for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage seems insatiable a quiet but massive shift is happening in the background. Billions of dollars are flowing into a competing technology: sodium-ion batteries. China in particular is placing a huge bet on this alternative, building entire industrial ecosystems to bring it to the mainstream.
The latest move in this strategy is a new agreement signed by Guangde Qingna Technology Co., Ltd. for a massive 20 GWh sodium-ion battery production project in Sichuan Province. With a total investment of CNY 6 billion (approximately $836 million), this facility is a significant pillar in China’s plan to dominate the next wave of battery technology.
Building a “Sodium Valley” in Suining
The project is not happening in isolation. The Suining Economic and Technological Development Zone is rapidly transforming into a dedicated hub for sodium-ion technology, creating a powerful, integrated supply chain. This “Sodium Valley” includes:
- Wuhan Tian Na Technology: Building a massive anode material base with a planned output of 130,000 tonnes per year.
- SVOLT: Constructing one of the industry’s largest anode material facilities.
- Hive Energy & Suining Tian Na Energy: Pursuing similar large-scale material production projects.
This concentration of companies ensures that battery manufacturers have a local, reliable source for all the critical components they need, from the negative-electrode materials to the finished product.
Why the Push for Sodium-Ion?
Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a strong contender to the ubiquitous lithium-ion for several key reasons:
- Cost & Abundance: Sodium is far more abundant and cheaper to extract than lithium, which could lead to significantly lower battery costs.
- Sustainability: Its widespread availability makes it a more sustainable long-term option.
- Safety: They often have better thermal stability, reducing fire risks.
However, the technology still faces hurdles, primarily in matching the energy density and driving down costs to compete with the rapidly scaling Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries.
China’s Dominant Lead
Despite the challenges, China is pulling far ahead in the global race. Industry heavyweights like CATL, BYD, and HiNa Battery are leading the charge in both technology development and deployment. HiNa Battery already operates a 1 GWh plant, with plans to expand to 5 GWh.
The scale of China’s commitment is staggering. While investment fluctuated, data from January to September 2025 shows a strong recovery, with 37 new projects totaling 179.5 GWh of planned capacity. Industry research projects that by 2030, China will account for over 90% of global sodium-ion battery production.
The new 20 GWh plant in Suining is more than just a factory; it’s a signal. It confirms that sodium-ion is no longer a lab-scale experiment but a serious industrial endeavor, poised to play a major role in our future energy storage, and China is building the foundation to lead it.