Cornex Unveils 165 Ah Sodium-Ion Cell for Energy Storage
⚡ Quick Read
- What happened: Cornex New Energy has launched a 165 Ah sodium-ion prismatic cell (PN173-165A) featuring sodium iron pyrophosphate cathode technology.
- Why it matters: With a cycle life exceeding 20,000 cycles and 94.5% energy efficiency, this technology offers a durable, cost-effective alternative to LFP batteries for stationary storage.
- Watch: Monitor the commercial adoption of sodium-ion chemistries in Indian grid-scale BESS projects to see if they can compete with established LFP pricing.
Background and Context
As the global transition toward renewable energy accelerates, the demand for stationary energy storage systems (BESS) has surged. While lithium iron phosphate (LFP) remains the industry standard, manufacturers are increasingly exploring sodium-ion technology to mitigate supply chain risks and improve cycle longevity. Cornex New Energy has officially entered this space with the launch of its new 165 Ah sodium-ion prismatic cell, specifically engineered to address the requirements of large-scale stationary energy storage applications.
Key Details
The new PN173-165A cell utilizes a sodium iron pyrophosphate material for the cathode and a polyanion-type NFPP hard carbon for the anode. The cell is designed for high-performance grid applications, boasting a cycle life exceeding 20,000 cycles and a 1P energy efficiency of 94.5%. Weighing 4.5 kg, the unit measures 71.7 mm x 174.4 mm x 207.2 mm. In terms of energy density, the cell offers a nominal gravimetric density of 102 Wh/kg and a volumetric density of 182 Wh/L at 0.5P. The product has already secured critical international certifications, including GB Chinese national standards, UN38.3, UL, and IEC 62619, ensuring its readiness for global deployment.
What This Means for EPCs and Developers
For EPC contractors and developers in India, the introduction of this sodium-ion prismatic cell provides a new lever for optimizing BESS project economics. Cornex positions the 165 Ah cell as an ideal solution for frequency regulation, a critical service for grid stability in India’s renewable-heavy landscape. While Cornex’s own 314 Ah LFP cells offer higher energy density—weighing only 24% more while providing 90% more energy—the sodium-ion variant offers a compelling alternative where cycle life and material availability are prioritized over raw energy density. Developers should evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of these cells against traditional LFP options when planning long-duration or high-frequency cycling storage projects.
What Happens Next
The next phase for this technology involves pilot-scale testing in grid-connected environments. As India continues to expand its renewable energy sector, the integration of diverse storage chemistries will be vital to managing intermittency. Industry stakeholders will be watching to see how Cornex scales production and whether the price parity of sodium-ion materials can provide a competitive edge in the Indian market, where cost-sensitivity remains a primary driver for project procurement decisions.
