Alternative lithium battery

There is increasing interest in alternatives to lithium batteries, mainly because these batteries, despite their widespread use, are coming under increasing criticism due to safety and environmental concerns. However, lithium batteries are still used in many industries because of their high energy density and performance.

Bob Hermans

Bob Hermans

January 23, 2026
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Choosing the right alternative battery solution can be a complex task, especially with the abundance of information available on different battery technologies. This also applies to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which are essential for efficient energy management in both industrial and residential environments. Growing concerns about the environmental impact and safety of lithium batteries make it increasingly important to explore alternatives.

What is a lithium battery?

A lithium battery is a rechargeable battery that uses lithium compounds as electrodes instead of traditional materials such as lead or nickel. This technology is known for its high energy density, the efficiency of home batteries, and relatively low self-discharge. Lithium batteries are therefore widely used in various applications, from consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, to larger systems such as energy storage installations.

The versatility and efficiency of lithium home batteries make them a popular choice for both small and large applications, but growing concerns about their environmental impact and safety have prompted a search for alternatives.

Why an alternative to lithium batteries?

Although lithium batteries offer many advantages, there are also a number of hazards and disadvantages associated with their use. Due to the rise of sustainable and safe energy storage systems, more and more companies and consumers are looking for alternatives to lithium batteries. The following section explains some of the most important hazards:

  • Fire hazard: Lithium batteries can overheat and catch fire if misused or damaged. This is particularly risky in enclosed spaces or when batteries are exposed to extreme temperatures.
  • Scarcity of raw materials: Lithium is a relatively rare material, and its extraction can have harmful effects on the environment, such as soil contamination and water consumption.
  • Toxic substances: in the event of an accident, lithium batteries can release toxic gases that can be harmful to both humans and the environment.
  • High costs: The price of lithium can fluctuate, which affects the cost of batteries. This can be problematic for both consumers and businesses that depend on stable costs for their energy savings.
  • Limitations in recycling: although recycling lithium batteries is technically possible, the process is currently costly and not always effective, meaning that the environmental impact of recycling these batteries remains significant.

What is a suitable alternative to lithium batteries?

One of the promising alternatives to lithium batteries is sodium. Sodium is considered a potential "green battery" alternative, and it is seen as the future for energy storage in many applications. In the following section, we explain why sodium is increasingly being considered as an alternative to lithium batteries.

Sodium as an alternative to lithium batteries

Sodium-ion batteries use sodium instead of lithium to store energy. Sodium is abundantly available, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than lithium, making sodium-ion technology increasingly attractive as an alternative.

Compared to lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries offer a number of advantages, such as lower costs, improved safety, and the ability torecycle batteries more easily . In addition, sodium-ion batteries are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can perform better in less than ideal conditions.

What are the advantages of sodium as an alternative to lithium batteries?

The use of sodium as an alternative to lithium batteries offers several advantages. Some of the most important advantages are described below:

  • Cheaper: Sodium is much more abundant and cheaper than lithium, which reduces the cost of the batteries.
  • More environmentally friendly: sodium extraction has fewer harmful environmental impacts than lithium mining, making sodium-ion batteries a more sustainable alternative.
  • Better safety: Sodium-ion batteries are less prone to overheating and fire, making them safer for use in various applications.
  • Better performance at low temperatures: sodium-ion batteries perform better in colder environments than lithium batteries, making them suitable for applications in areas with extreme weather conditions.
  • Higher recycling potential: sodium-ion batteries can be recycled more easily and efficiently, contributing to the circular economy.

Alternative lithium battery at Frax!

At Frax, we believe that sodium-ion batteries are the future. Thanks to their environmentally friendly nature, improved safety, and cost-effectiveness, they offer a promising alternative to the widely used lithium batteries. Whether you are looking for an energy storage system for industrial applications or for emergency power supplies, Frax can support you in making the right choice.

Our solutions can be valuable and comply with the NEN-EN-IEC 62619 standard for situations where reliability and safety are essential. Contact us today and discover how we can help you find the best energy storage solution!

This post was last updated on: 

Bob Hermans

Founder & CEO

After being active in the energy market for more than a decade, I decided to found Frax in 2023. With Frax, I want to support installers with smart, plug-and-play battery storage systems that really make a difference. My passion lies in renewable energy and innovation, and I believe that simple, reliable solutions are the key to a future with more efficient energy use.

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