Energy storage systems, in particular batteries, are key technologies in the transition to a carbon-neutral society. Due to increasing electrification, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are being produced on an ever-larger scale, resulting in huge cost reductions and opening up new opportunities for their use in energy storage at grid and/or household level.

However, the critical raw materials used in LIBs (cobalt, nickel, lithium, and copper) raise concerns about their future and long-term availability and their cost. In sodium-ion (SIBs) and sodium-metal batteries (SMBs), the critical materials used in LIBs can be replaced by abundant and sustainable materials, paving the way for greener and more cost-effective next-generation energy storage technologies.

The main goal of the SIMBA project is to develop a highly cost-effective, safe all-solid-state battery with sodium as mobile ionic charge carrier for stationary energy storage applications. Although SIBs are similar to LIBs in many respects, there are still a number of scientific and technical challenges to be overcome in understanding the electrochemical processes and degradation mechanisms, the electrode, the solid-state electrolyte, and the cell manufacturing. SIMBA aims to tackle these challenges and pave the way to market introduction.

The overall concept and approach of SIMBA comprises the following conceptual elements: development of two anode and two cathode materials and a novel solid-state electrolyte (SSE). Together with new modeling and characterization techniques, the main challenges of SIBs will be addressed effectively. Two environmentally friendly production methods will be applied to the new materials, aiming to advance the state of the art and pave the way for SIBs to become cost-effective, efficient, and scalable stationary energy storage.

ITAS is involved as a project partner in all technological development stages, enabling the evaluation of environmental aspects of the energy technology. In the process, a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) is performed in continuous exchange with the technology experts. This enables quantification of potential environmental impacts, which supports decision-making for more sustainable solutions during development.

Project website: https://simba-h2020.eu/

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