Non-Lithium Batteries to Reduce India's Storage Imports by 2035

Non-lithium energy storage technologies, including sodium-ion, vanadium redox flow, zinc-based, and iron-based batteries, are projected to decrease India's reliance on imported battery storage. A survey by the NetZero Energy Transition Association (Netra) suggests that rapid adoption and indigenous manufacturing of these technologies could cut import dependence to 50-52% by 2035.

Currently, 89-91% of battery storage systems and lithium-ion batteries in India are sourced from abroad. This exposes the country to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations, with lithium battery prices experiencing over 25% volatility in the past year.

The survey, which included industry leaders, utilities, battery manufacturers, and researchers, found that 61% of respondents believe domestic innovation and manufacturing of these alternative battery types can significantly reduce import reliance. Over half of the respondents anticipate that with commercial deployment and investment, India's storage import share could drop to 50-52% by 2032.

Indian research institutions like ARCI, IMMT, NCL, and IIT Bombay are developing indigenous sodium-ion cell technology. Companies such as Rechargion, HPCL, Oden Energy, Macsen Energy, and Uneverse are creating cell and pack solutions for grid and industrial applications. Globally, sodium-ion cell manufacturing capacity has surpassed 10 GWh this year. Companies like VFT and Delectrik Systems are installing vanadium redox flow battery systems for long-duration storage and grid flexibility both in India and internationally.

SGE and ZE PAK Form Joint Venture for Six-Unit SMR Plant in Poland

SGE (formerly Sythos Green Energy) and ZE PAK have formed a joint venture to construct a six-unit small modular reactor (SMR) plant in Pątnów, Poland. The proposed plant will utilize six BWRX-300 SMRs, providing a total capacity of 1,800 MWe. This initiative is part of a broader plan for Poland, where a decision in principle has already been issued for 26 BWRX-300 SMRs.

The project involves repurposing an existing coal plant site owned by ZE PAK. ZE PAK's initial contribution to the joint venture will be the rights to the land. The company retains the option to remain a minority shareholder in the future or to sell its shares to SGE, thereby concluding its involvement in the project.

Michał Sołowow, founder of SGE, emphasized the strategic importance of the Pątnów location within Poland's energy system. He noted that the existing coal-fired power plant is slated for shutdown, and the SMR project will provide a reliable replacement to prevent grid disruptions. Sołowow stated that transitioning from coal to nuclear power with SMR technology will modernize Poland's energy infrastructure.

Piotr Żak, President of ZE PAK, highlighted the economic opportunities for the Konin area and its residents. He described the construction of a nuclear power plant on the former coal operations site as a model for Poland’s energy transition. Żak underscored the need for reliable, domestic electricity sources in Poland, which the six SMR reactors at the ZE PAK site are intended to provide.

ZE PAK also indicated that while large-scale nuclear reactor construction is typically a state-owned enterprise, SMR technology can be developed by private entities like SGE. SGE is a co-investor in the standard design of GE Vernova Hitachi's BWRX-300.

BWRX-300 Deployment

The BWRX-300 reactor is currently under construction in Canada. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a construction permit for the first BWRX-300 reactor at the Clinch River site in Tennessee. Additionally, the SMR has been selected for projects by SaskPower in Canada, Blue Energy in the USA, and Studsvik in Sweden.

Nuclearn Discusses AI for Nuclear Equipment Performance at ANS Webinar

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) recently featured Nuclearn, a company specializing in AI solutions for the nuclear industry, during its Supplier Showcase webinar. The event, titled “From Alarm to Answer: How AI Can Reduce Equipment Load and Enhance Performance,” explored the application of artificial intelligence in improving nuclear facility operations.

Nuclearn presented its AI tools designed to address challenges related to equipment management and operational efficiency in nuclear power plants. The discussion highlighted the potential of AI to streamline processes, enhance predictive maintenance capabilities, and ultimately contribute to more reliable and safer plant operations.

The webinar aimed to inform nuclear supply-chain professionals about advancements in AI technology and its practical implementation for reducing the burden on critical equipment. By leveraging AI, operators can potentially move from reactive alarm responses to proactive, data-driven decision-making, optimizing the lifespan and performance of essential components.