Right at a very iconic phase in China's new energy development, the very first hybrid power station—to possibly the first in China—using sodium-ion batteries with lithium-ion batteries was put into working. This innovation thus actually opens up a new chapter in energy storage technology exploration while providing a cost-effective, safe, and scalable alternative to meet the ever-increasing clean energy demand. Combining these two battery technologies gives the hybrid—the very best mark—to solve all the issues of costs and performance and being an imperative step in the global energy revolution.
1. What is a Hybrid Power Station?
A hybrid power station is a type of energy storage facility in which different types of batteries are used for achieving maximum performance. For this project, the power station combines:
- Lithium-ion batteries: possessing high-energy density and mature technology.
- Sodium-ion batteries: A cheap and resource-rich alternative, targeted especially for bulk energy storage.
The two batteries function in a complementary manner realizing steady power output with low operating cost and high safety.
2. Why Sodium-Ion Batteries Matter
Sodium-ion batteries are gaining greater traction as a potential alternative to lithium-based systems. Its major strengths are:
- Abundant raw material: Sodium occurs very widely in salt lakes and seawater.
- Lower cost: Independence from scarce materials such as cobalt or nickel.
- Enhanced safety: Reduced fire risk, enhanced thermal stability.
- Enhanced low-temperature performance.
Although less energy-dense than lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries provide decent cycle life and cost, so they are best applied in stationary and grid-side uses.
3. Inside China’s First Lithium-Sodium Hybrid Station
Commissioned in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, this 100 MWh pilot hybrid power station combines the advantages of two kinds of batteries:
- Lithium battery modules: Applied to peak load shifting and rapid response.
- Sodium-ion battery modules: For large capacity storage and cost reduction.
- Smart Energy Management System (EMS): Regulates rate of charge and discharge to ensure safety.
- Modular cabinet design: Equipped with temperature monitoring and fault isolation function.
Performance indicators:
- Overall round-trip efficiency: above 90%
- Cycle life expectancy: more than 6,000 cycles
- Cost saving: about 20% lower than lithium-only facilities
This hybrid solution reduces dependence on the lithium supply chain without compromising system stability and scalability.
4. Benefits of Lithium-Sodium Hybrid Power Stations
- Cost optimization: Sodium batteries significantly reduce overall capital expenditures, making large-scale deployment more feasible.
- Improved system resilience: Lithium handles high-rate response while sodium batteries buffer energy.
- Improved supply chain resilience: Less dependency on unstable lithium markets.
- Improved safety: Lower flammability and better thermal management make sodium-ion batteries safer.
5. Market Trends and Future Outlook
The opening of this hybrid power station heralds changes for the entire industry. Key trends include:
- CATL, HiNa Battery and Faradion: These companies have growing commercial interest in sodium-ion technology.
- China's 14th Five-Year Plan: Policies support the diversification of battery technology.
- R&D investment: Focused on improving energy density and cycle life of sodium-ion batteries.
As costs decrease and technology matures, hybrid power stations are expected to dominate grid-side energy storage by 2030, especially in peak shaving, renewable energy buffering and rural electrification.
6. Challenges Facing Hybrid Systems
Although promising, hybrid power systems need to address the following issues:
- Complex BMS integration: Requires advanced management between different chemistries.
- Standardization issues: Need alignment of module interfaces and EMS protocols.
- High temperature uncertainty: Sodium battery performance under high heat still needs verification.
Ongoing research and smart thermal management solutions are key to solving these problems.
7. Huijue Group: Powering the Future of Hybrid Energy Storage
Huijue Group is a leader in developing smart, modular and scalable energy storage solutions, including compatibility with sodium-ion battery systems. Our products include:
- Large-capacity containerized ESS for utility, industrial and renewable energy applications
- Advanced thermal management system optimized for lithium-sodium integration
- Intelligent EMS platform for balancing the performance of hybrid batteries
- Customizable cabinet system for grid, commercial and industrial (C&I), and microgrid deployments
As the demand for hybrid energy systems grows, Huijue Group is committed to providing safe, efficient and future-proof energy storage platforms to help accelerate global decarbonization.
Final Thoughts
The successful deployment of China’s first lithium-sodium hybrid power station marks a pivotal moment in the energy storage landscape. By harnessing the strengths of sodium-ion batteries and lithium systems, hybrid solutions are reshaping what’s possible in grid-scale storage — delivering flexibility, safety, and affordability.
With companies like Huijue Group leading the way, the future of hybrid energy storage is not just a vision — it’s happening now.
