LiNa Energy is a forward-thinking company specializing in the development and commercialization of advanced battery technologies, with a focus on solid-state sodium batteries. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Lancashire, England, the company is dedicated to creating safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage solutions. By eliminating the need for lithium and cobalt, LiNa Energy addresses critical environmental and supply chain challenges associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries. Their innovative approach positions them as a key player in the renewable energy storage sector, particularly for applications in grid stability, industrial energy storage, and electric vehicles.
LiNa Energy collaborates with leading research institutions and industry partners, such as Lancaster University and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), to refine and scale their sodium-metal-chloride (Na-MTL-Cl) battery technology. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the company uses abundant raw materials like sodium and iron, ensuring a transparent and ethical supply chain. Their mission is to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy by providing efficient, modular energy storage systems that support the integration of clean energy sources.
Battery Technology
LiNa Energy’s core innovation lies in its solid-state sodium battery technology, which offers significant advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries. These batteries utilize an ultra-thin sodium-conducting ceramic electrolyte, eliminating the flammable solvents found in traditional batteries and enhancing safety. The absence of lithium and cobalt not only reduces costs but also mitigates environmental and ethical concerns tied to mining these materials.
The sodium-metal-chloride (Na-MTL-Cl) batteries are designed for high performance and scalability. They are capable of operating at lower costs, with projections of less than $50/kWh at scale—half the cost of current lithium-ion batteries. This cost efficiency, combined with the use of locally sourced and abundant materials, makes LiNa Energy’s technology highly competitive in the energy storage market.
The company’s batteries are particularly suited for grid-scale energy storage and industrial applications. They have demonstrated the ability to perform Dynamic Containment, a critical grid service that maintains electrical frequency and prevents blackouts. This capability not only highlights the reliability of their technology but also opens up significant revenue opportunities in the energy sector.
LiNa Energy’s manufacturing process is another area of innovation. In partnership with Comau, a leader in industrial automation, the company has developed a scalable, automated production line for its solid-state sodium batteries. This includes the creation of an oxygen-free dry box environment and the integration of high-speed robotics, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
Recent Projects
In the past year, LiNa Energy has made significant progress in scaling its technology and demonstrating its real-world applications. The company secured €4 million in funding, including a €952,000 grant from Innovate UK, to establish an automated solid-state electrolyte manufacturing line at its pilot facility. This investment marks a critical step toward large-scale production.
LiNa Energy has also successfully deployed a 10 kWh sodium-based Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) connected to the Indian grid, showcasing the viability of its technology in diverse environments. Additionally, the company has initiated pilot projects in Europe and the Middle East, further validating the global potential of its sodium-ion batteries.
Investors
LiNa Energy has attracted investment from a range of notable sources, reflecting confidence in its technology and market potential. Key investors include Jacob Wolff-Petersen, who led a recent funding round, and Innovate UK, which provided a grant through the Future Enterprise Investor Partnership. Other supporters include Halliburton Labs, the Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator, and the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) via the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund. To date, the company has raised a total of $15.89 million, enabling continued research, development, and commercialization efforts.
Location: Lancashire, England, UK
Website: https://www.lina.energy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lina-energy
