Sodium-Ion Batteries Named an MIT Breakthrough Technology: How Veken Sets an Industry Benchmark

Why Sodium-Ion Batteries Matter for Data Centers and Energy Storage in 2026

In its 2026 list of “Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies,” MIT Technology Review identified sodium-ion batteries as a key solution to emerging global energy challenges. This recognition reflects a practical reality: existing battery systems struggle to balance safety, scalability, and cost in large-scale, high-load environments.

Modern infrastructure—especially AI data centers (AIDC), grid-scale energy storage systems (ESS), and industrial backup power—demands batteries that can operate reliably under continuous load, wide temperature ranges, and strict safety requirements.

Sodium-ion batteries stand out because they address these constraints using abundant raw materials, stable chemistry, and high-rate performance, making them increasingly relevant for commercial and industrial deployment.

🖼️ Suggested image: Comparison diagram of lithium-ion, lead-acid, and sodium-ion batteries

Structural Limits of Conventional Battery Technologies

Before understanding why sodium-ion batteries are gaining attention, it is necessary to look at the limitations of mainstream options in real-world use.

Lithium-Ion Batteries in High-Load Systems

Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density but face challenges when deployed at scale:

• Thermal runaway risk under high load or dense installation

• Rising material costs due to lithium supply constraints

• Complex safety management systems required for large installations

These issues become critical in hyperscale data centers, where uptime and safety margins are non-negotiable.

Lead-Acid Batteries in Backup Power

Lead-acid batteries remain common in traditional backup systems, but they show clear disadvantages:

• Low energy density

• Limited charge–discharge cycles

• Poor high-rate discharge capability

As a result, lead-acid systems struggle to support long-duration, high-power backup in modern infrastructure.

📊 Suggested visual: Table comparing energy density, safety, and cycle life

What Makes Sodium-Ion Batteries Different

Sodium-ion batteries use sodium instead of lithium as the charge carrier. While the concept is not new, recent industrialization has significantly improved their performance and manufacturability.

Key Characteristics of Sodium-Ion Batteries

• Resource availability: Sodium is widely available and geographically diversified

• Inherent safety: Lower risk of thermal runaway compared to lithium-ion

• Strong rate performance: Suitable for fast charge and high-power discharge

• Stable performance at low temperatures

These traits make sodium-ion batteries especially suitable for grid storage, industrial energy systems, and backup power for data centers.

🔋 Suggested image: Internal structure of a sodium-ion battery

Commercialization as the Real Breakthrough

MIT Technology Review’s selection emphasizes not just laboratory performance, but scalable industrial deployment. This is where China’s sodium-ion battery sector has achieved measurable progress.

In May 2023, Veken completed the domestic launch of a GWh-level sodium-ion battery production line, marking a transition from pilot-scale testing to standardized manufacturing.

This milestone demonstrates that sodium-ion batteries are no longer experimental—they are manufacturable at scale using established industrial processes.

More details on Veken’s battery manufacturing capabilities can be found on its official battery page:
👉 https://vekenindustry.com/battery/

Measured Industry Recognition and Market Position

According to publicly reported industry data:

• Veken ranked Top 1 in China for sodium-ion battery shipments in 2025

• Veken ranked Top 1 in China for energy storage sodium-ion battery shipments in 2025

• In the 2025 China Sodium-Ion Battery Industry Competitiveness Brand Ranking, Veken placed second, following CATL

These rankings reflect actual delivery volume and commercial adoption, not projections.

📊 Suggested visual: Bar chart showing shipment rankings

Application Scenarios Driving Sodium-Ion Adoption

1. AI Data Centers (AIDC)

AI data centers operate under sustained high power demand. Sodium-ion batteries provide:

• Stable discharge under continuous load

• Improved safety in dense installations

• Predictable lifecycle performance

These characteristics reduce operational risk in large computing facilities.

2. Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems

For renewable integration, energy storage must handle frequent cycling:

• Sodium-ion batteries tolerate high charge–discharge frequency

• Lower raw material volatility improves long-term cost planning

3. Industrial Backup Power

Factories, logistics hubs, and critical infrastructure benefit from:

• Fast response time

• Reliable low-temperature operation

• Reduced fire risk

🖼️ Suggested image: Energy storage system deployed at an industrial site

From Manufacturing to Supply Stability

A key factor in battery commercialization is manufacturing reliability.

Veken operates its own industrial facilities, enabling:

• Consistent production quality

• Stable delivery schedules for large-volume orders

• Vertical coordination across materials and assembly

This manufacturing foundation supports long-term supply for B2B customers requiring repeatable, standardized battery products.

More information on Veken’s production infrastructure is available here:
👉 https://vekenindustry.com/about/battery-factory/

Why Sodium-Ion Batteries Align with Energy Transition Goals

Global energy systems are shifting toward:

• Decentralized power generation

• Electrification of infrastructure

• Lower-carbon supply chains

Sodium-ion batteries support this transition by reducing dependence on scarce materials while maintaining performance suitable for clean grids and green computing.

MIT Technology Review’s recognition signals that sodium-ion technology aligns with practical deployment needs, not just research milestones.

Evaluating Sodium-Ion Batteries for B2B Projects

For decision-makers assessing energy storage solutions, sodium-ion batteries should be evaluated based on:

• Safety requirements

• Operating environment (temperature, load profile)

• Lifecycle cost stability

• Supply chain reliability

In many stationary and backup applications, sodium-ion batteries now represent a technically sound alternative to lithium-ion and lead-acid systems.

Further Information and Contact

For technical specifications, manufacturing background, or project inquiries, official resources are available:

• Battery products: https://vekenindustry.com/battery/

• Company background: https://vekenindustry.com/about/battery-factory/

• Business contact: https://vekenindustry.com/contact-us/

Conclusion

The inclusion of sodium-ion batteries in MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Breakthrough Technologies list reflects a clear industry shift toward safer, scalable energy storage.
With early industrialization, measurable shipment volume, and real-world applications, Veken represents a concrete example of how sodium-ion batteries are moving from concept to infrastructure.