BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH, a subsidiary wholly owned by BASF, and NGK INSULATORS, LTD. (NGK), a ceramics manufacturer based in Japan, have unveiled an innovative container-type NAS battery (sodium-sulfur battery).

Developed collaboratively by NGK and BASF, the new NAS MODEL L24 boasts a notably reduced degradation rate of less than 1% per year, attributed to minimized corrosion within battery cells. Additionally, enhanced thermal management within battery modules extends the duration of continuous discharge. These innovative technical enhancements have been seamlessly integrated into the established battery design, ensuring reliability in real-world applications.

These enhancements enable projects to be executed with a substantially reduced number of NAS battery containers over the project's lifespan, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

"The development of this advanced NAS battery model marks a remarkable achievement for the collaborative team at BASF and NGK, leveraging the respective expertise of both companies," remarked Frank Prechtl, Managing Director of BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH. " With the NAS MODEL L24, our customers can lower their initial investment in battery storage systems and achieve long-term cost savings of approximately 20% over the project's lifetime. We take pride in our contribution to advancing NAS battery technology, a crucial component for a successful energy transition."

Ryugo Takeda, Vice President and General Manager of NGK's Energy Storage Division, remarked, "The enhanced performance is the outcome of a rigorous and fruitful collaboration between BASF and NGK, which commenced in 2019. Achieving a degradation rate of less than 1% per year is a significant milestone for the energy storage sector. Utilizing BASF's extensive global sales network, we are enthusiastic about providing solutions to a wider customer base with the NAS MODEL L24, thus playing a role in the global embrace of renewable energy and the decrease of CO2 emissions."

The new design aligns with the most recent safety standards for energy storage installations, including UL1973 and UL9540A, underscoring the exceptional safety levels for NAS installations.

NAS batteries represent long-duration, high-energy stationary storage solutions renowned for their extended lifespan and heightened safety features. Capable of delivering a consistent power supply for six hours or more, they have been deployed across over 250 sites globally for over two decades, generating nearly five gigawatt-hours of total output. NAS batteries serve diverse purposes, including stabilizing renewable energy sources and optimizing their usage through peak shaving, load balancing, and emergency power provision. They play a pivotal role in facilitating a successful transition to sustainable energy practices and achieving carbon neutrality. BASF is scheduled to commence deliveries of the NAS MODEL L24 in the latter half of 2024.