1:00 - 5:00 pm
Pre-Symposium TechBriefing: Grid-Scale Energy Storage and EV Battery Alternatives — Technologies, Market Drivers, and the Road to Cost Parity

This TechBriefing provides a context for the Symposium by discussing the evolving landscape of technology alternatives for grid-scale storage and EV batteries. From lithium-ion to sodium-ion, flow, and thermal systems, this briefing examines cost trajectories, policy incentives, and deployment trends shaping market adoption of various technology strategies. Learn how technology performance, Inflation Reduction Act incentives, and real-world project data are redefining competitiveness and bankability in large-scale energy storage -- as well as in next-gen batteries for electric vehicles.

5:00 - 6:00 pm Drink Reception -- Open to all Symposium attendees

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

8:00 - 9:00 am
Welcome Breakfast and Registration

9:00 - 9:30 am
Opening Address -- From Lab to Grid: The Advance of Sodium-Ion Storage

A discussion of the accelerating emergence of sodium-ion technology as a viable, cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion systems. The session highlights recent breakthroughs, supply-chain resilience, and sodium’s role in supporting global energy security and grid reliability.

9:30 - 10:30 am
Comparing Chemistries: Sodium-Ion vs. Lithium-Ion for Utility and EV Applications

This session explores the comparative performance of sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries across key metrics—energy density, safety, lifecycle cost, and resource availability. Field data from early demonstration projects and SIB EVs illustrate evolving performance curves and cost competitiveness.

10:30 - 11:00 am Networking Coffee Break

11:00 - 12:15 pm
A Sodium-Ion Breakthroughs: Chemistry, Materials, and Manufacturing Pathways for a Scalable Future

A deep dive into the electrochemical innovations driving sodium-ion’s performance gains. Panelists will discuss layered oxide and Prussian white cathodes, hard carbon anodes, electrolyte optimization, and temperature stability. Emphasis is placed on scalability, cost reduction, and sustainability in material sourcing.

12:15 - 1:15 pm Lunch Break

1:15 - 2:30 pm
Advances in Sodium-Ion Batteries for EVs

This session explores research advances and technology developments driving higher energy density, improved safety, and better cold-weather performance. Panelists will compare sodium-ion with LFP and LMFP chemistries, highlight early OEM adoption, and examine cost, sustainability, and supply-chain benefits positioning sodium-ion as a key enabler for affordable, mass-market electric vehicles.

2:30 - 3:00 pm Networking Coffee Break

3:00 - 4:00 pm
Designing and Deploying Utility-Scale Systems: Engineering, Integration, and Use Cases

This discussion focuses on the practical realities of deploying sodium-ion systems at multi-MWh scale. Engineers and integrators will share insights on pack design, BMS architecture, safety validation, and thermal management. A key focus will be grid-scale use cases — including renewables firming, long-duration storage, frequency regulation, peak shaving, and substation reinforcement — highlighting why sodium-ion is particularly suited for hot-climate, stationary, and long-cycle applications.

4:00 - 5:00 pm
Path to Commercialization: Bridging R&D, Manufacturing, and Utility Demand

This closing session is an interactive panel discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities in commercializing sodium-ion at scale. Panelists will discuss performance guarantees, bankability criteria, certification hurdles, and project financing pathways.