China Develops Sodium Supply Chain to Support New Energy Storage Technologies
China is developing a sodium supply chain to bolster sodium-ion battery technology, aiming to reduce dependence on the volatile lithium market. With significant investments from companies like China Minmetals and initiatives in Qinghai province, the country is industrializing sodium resources and expanding international ventures in salt lakes. By 2025, mass production of sodium-ion batteries, such as CATL's Naxtra, is expected to further support this strategic shift.
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The People's Republic of China is establishing a sodium supply chain to support the growth of sodium-ion battery technology as a response to the volatile lithium supply chain. The Chinese government has regulated salt lakes since 2021 to industrialize sodium resources, with major investments from companies like China Minmetals, which acquired Qinghai Yanhu Industry and formed the China Salt Lake Industrial Group in early 2025.
The Qinghai province is spearheading these efforts, having issued plans to create a world-class salt lake industrial base. As of 2025, sodium-ion batteries, such as CATL's Naxtra, are being mass-produced to reduce dependence on lithium.
Additionally, China is expanding international investments in salt lakes, including a 65 percent stake in the Djibouti Salt Investment Company and financing for a salt and potash project in Australia. These initiatives reflect China's strategy to secure supply chains and lessen reliance on lithium for energy storage.
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