New generation of sodium-ion batteries developed in Estonia

A new generation of sodium-ion batteries, developed and manufactured in Estonia, offers a safer, more sustainable, and more affordable alternative to lithium-based energy storage systems. The newly developed batteries are modular and scalable, allowing them to meet the needs of a wide range of users — from homeowners and farmers to commercial and industrial operators.

Estonian company Freen OÜ has introduced a new generation of sodium-ion battery systems. Sodium-ion batteries are presented as an alternative to lithium-based systems. Unlike lithium, sodium is one of the most abundant and widely distributed resources on Earth.

In addition to the high cost of lithium, its mining and extraction from salt flats cause significant environmental damage and deplete water reserves. In contrast, sodium can be obtained more sustainably — most commonly through the electrolysis of common salt.

Unlike lithium batteries, which are prone to overheating, Freen OÜ’s technology ensures thermal stability for sodium-ion batteries, virtually eliminating the risk of fire or explosion. The company also highlights that, unlike lithium-based systems, Freen batteries are not subject to international transportation restrictions and are cobalt-free, making them a more environmentally friendly and geopolitically secure solution.

In addition to chemical safety, Freen emphasizes the practicality of its systems. The batteries feature integrated wheels for easy handling, and their plug-and-play installation makes setup fast and straightforward.

Freen battery systems have a wide range of applications

Their modular design makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including energy-demanding households, remote farms, telecom infrastructure, commercial facilities, EV charging stations, the oil and gas sector, and public institutions such as schools and hospitals.

“The launch of sodium-ion batteries represents a major innovation in our portfolio, following the successful development of small wind turbines. These batteries stand out for their safety, versatility, and competitive pricing — and we are ready to collaborate with partners across all sectors to accelerate the energy transition”, said Andrey Khimenkov, CEO of Freen OÜ.

Freen has developed Freen-BSH, a high-voltage system capable of storing 10.08 kWh per module, and Freen-BSL, a low-voltage system with a capacity of 7.5 kWh per module.

Freen batteries can be recharged more than 5,000 times

Both systems support over 5,000 charging cycles, offering long service life, low maintenance, and high operational safety, even under extreme weather conditions.

“Whether used for energy independence, peak shaving, or as part of a hybrid renewable energy system, Freen’s solutions deliver efficiency and reliability across a variety of scenarios,” the company noted in its statement.

Freen also highlights the potential of its batteries in the Western Balkans, where several major initiatives are driving investments in renewable energy and energy storage.

Kosovo* recently announced a EUR 1.2 billion auction for renewables and storage — one of the largest in the region. In parallel, the European Union continues to fund the green transition through instruments such as the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and the EU Growth Plan, providing grants and technical support for projects focused on renewable energy, storage, and grid flexibility.

These initiatives create opportunities for innovative solutions, such as Freen’s sodium-ion batteries, to become an integral part of the region’s evolving energy landscape.