Dumaguete:A new sodium-ion battery technology for motor vehicles, which also holds potential for household and power distribution applications, was introduced in Dumaguete City for the first time.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rene Montalbo, the national distributor of Aeson sodium-ion batteries, highlighted that this technology presents an alternative to traditional lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, offering benefits in terms of lifespan, charging speed, weight, and performance under high-temperature conditions. The launch in Dumaguete City marks the first introduction of this technology in the Philippines.
Montalbo, whose company is based in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and is the exclusive distributor of Aeson's sodium-ion batteries in the country, emphasized that although Aeson batteries may cost approximately 30 percent more than conventional options, their extended service life and warranty could render them a practical investment. He noted that typical car batteries usually last up to three years, whereas sodium-ion units are designed to have a much longer lifespan.
The sodium-ion batteries, which do not contain acid and are lighter than conventional lead-acid batteries, are engineered to operate at temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius and boast a charging capability up to five times faster than ordinary batteries. Montalbo also mentioned potential applications in large-scale energy storage systems for electric cooperatives and cabinet-sized units for household use.
Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), stated that sodium-ion technology could assist in addressing low-voltage issues and power interruptions in the province. The system is likened to a large power bank or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that can store electricity generated by solar panels and provide backup power as needed.
For the Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative (NORECO I), Montalbo indicated that they are exploring energy storage systems housed in containers, tailored to each substation's capacity requirements. Discussions are underway with Aeson to produce a substantial UPS or backup battery to stabilize voltage.
Du further noted that Aeson is collaborating with a South Korean firm to supply sodium-ion battery technology to NORECO I, with a memorandum of agreement for the project set to be signed in Dumaguete City on November 21.
