#Japan #Tokyo #sodium-ion battery #NEDO #Tokyo University

Innovative Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Development

On July 9, 2026, it was officially announced that a research project titled "Sodium-Ion Battery Technology Development," led by Professor Shin-Ichiro Komaba of Tokyo University of Science, has been selected for the Innovative Secondary Battery Technology Development and Advanced Analysis program by NEDO (National Research and Development Agency for New Energy and Industrial Technology). This selection highlights a significant collaboration between Tokyo University of Science and twelve other organizations, including notable firms and institutions.

The initiative involves distinguished collaborators such as GS Yuasa Corporation, Musashi Energy Solutions Co., Ltd., Kuraray Co., Ltd., Toa Gosei Co., Ltd., MU Ionic Solutions Co., Ltd. (jointly conducted with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Tohoku University, Tokyo University, Waseda University, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Gunma University, Osaka University’s Institute of Industrial Science, and the National Institute for Materials Science. The primary objective is to advance the technology required for the practical application of next-generation sodium-ion batteries.

Batteries are becoming increasingly critical technologies for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and for supporting an electrified and digital society. With applications ranging from electric vehicles to power demand adjustments and data centers, the anticipated increase in battery demand is evident. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are the industry standard, but challenges surrounding resource procurement risks related to their constituent materials have emerged.

Developed by Professor Komaba in 2011, sodium-ion battery technology represents a pioneering next-generation battery solution originating in Japan. The significant appeal of sodium-ion batteries lies in their reduced dependency on resources such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite, which pose supply risks. By diversifying the battery supply chain and enhancing autonomy, this technology is expected to play a crucial role in the future of energy storage.

Professor Komaba has accumulated over 15 years of continuous public support for fundamental research through various initiatives, including the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science's (JSPS) “Cutting-edge Next-Generation Research and Development Support Program” (2010-2013), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology's “Element Strategy Project” (2012-2021), and the JST GteX project (2023-2027). His work has led to substantial academic knowledge and foundational technologies surrounding sodium-ion batteries. Furthermore, through collaborative research initiatives with companies, particularly during the JST A-STEP project (2014-2017), Professor Komaba has focused on the practical implementation of this technology.

In this project, the groundwork laid in prior research will be pivotal. A collaborative proposal has been formulated with battery cell manufacturers, component makers, universities, and national research agencies. Under the commission of NEDO, these stakeholders will jointly advance efforts ranging from material development to cell design and mass production considerations. This cooperative venture represents a critical step towards realizing the practical use of next-generation sodium-ion batteries, which could redefine energy solutions and supply channels in the coming years.

As the world embraces a greener future, innovations like sodium-ion batteries are not only technologically significant but are also expected to contribute substantially towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral society.