UK-based LiNa Energy has officially opened a groundbreaking sodium battery manufacturing facility in Lancaster, marking a pivotal step in its mission to commercialise its innovative technology on a global scale.
Situated at the White Cross Industrial Estate, the 8,000 ft² pilot line is strategically located next to LiNa’s two advanced R&D laboratories.
LiNa’s batteries diverge sharply from conventional lithium-ion systems. Built around salt – an abundant and sustainable resource – the technology features a proprietary ceramic electrolyte that delivers high performance, enhanced safety, and long-duration storage without relying on scarce or flammable materials.
The new sodium battery plant will serve as a hub for exporting batteries to customers such as Tata Power in India and strategic partners in the Middle East. These regions, rich in solar potential, require robust storage solutions to convert intermittent sunlight into dependable, round-the-clock power. Unlike many storage technologies that falter in extreme heat, LiNa’s salt-based systems are engineered to excel in harsh environments – supporting the company’s ambition to deliver “the lowest-cost, most reliable solar energy on Earth.”
Since its founding in 2017 as a spin-out from Lancaster University, LiNa Energy has evolved from a research initiative into a serious player in the global energy storage market. Backed by £20 million in funding – including approximately £1 million from Innovate UK’s Future Enterprise Investor Partnerships (FEIP) – the company now employs a team of 35 specialists.
“This is a defining moment,” said Will Tope, CEO of LiNa Energy. “While headlines have dominated the battery industry, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most – trusting the science and a dogged commitment to honing and finessing the technology. This new facility is the result of years of disciplined engineering and a clear-eyed view of what the market truly needs. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved.”
Image: Cat Smith MP, Member of Parliament for Lancaster and Wyre, officially opened LiNa’s sodium battery plant
