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Hi all! In Module 4, we talked about how critical minerals for the energy transition are only critical with current technology, and that when technology changes, mineral needs do too. A few days ago, there was a major announcement on sodium-ion batteries, which are now going to be mass-produced by at least one Chinese manufacturer: https://electrek.co/2026/04/27/catl-sodium-ion-battery-60gwh-energy-storage-deal/.

It is difficult to overstate just how big this news is – if it actually happens: sodium-ion batteries do not need lithium or cobalt, and instead use much, much more abundant and cheaper sodium and iron, they do not overheat or catch fire, and they handle very low temperatures very well. The manufacturer will also make them compatible with systems that currently use lithium-ion batteries.