BASF, NGK launch advanced sodium-sulfur (NAS) battery storage system

Jointly developed by NGK and BASF, the new battery system offers a significantly lower degradation rate of less than 1 percent per year, thanks to a reduced corrosion in battery cells. The system also claims an improved thermal management system in battery modules, which enables a longer continuous discharge. 

The developers claim that the elements of technological improvements have been incorporated into the field-proven battery design, thereby allowing projects to be implemented using significantly fewer number of NAS battery containers over project running time, along with lower maintenance costs.

"This advanced type of NAS batteries is an outstanding achievement by the joint development team of BASF and NGK, which brought together respective areas of expertise of both companies", said Frank Prechtl, Managing Director of BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH.

"With the NAS MODEL L24 our customers will be able to reduce their initial investment in battery storage system as well as save on long-term project costs, approx. about 20 percent over project lifetime. We are proud to have contributed to the advancement of NAS battery technology, which is an essential building block for a successful energy transition," he added. 

Ryugo Takeda, Vice President and General Manager of Energy Storage Division of NGK, commented, "The improved performance stems from an intense and effective collaboration between BASF and NGK that started from 2019".

"The lower degradation rate of less than 1% per year is a remarkable result for the energy storage industry. Through BASF's global sales network, we are excited to provide solutions to more customers using this NAS MODEL L24 and thus to contribute to the promotion of global renewable energy adoption and the reduction of CO2 emissions", Takeda noted.

The NAS MODEL L24 complies with the latest safety standards for energy storage installations, such as UL1973 and UL9540A, and underlines the high degree of safety for NAS installations, according to BASF and NGK.

NAS batteries are deemed by experts as long-duration, high-energy stationary storage batteries. They feature long life and enhanced safety and can provide a stable power supply over six hours or longer.

These batteries are used for various use cases, including stabilizing of renewable energy and optimizing its utilization, through peak shaving and load balancing as well as emergency power supply.