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- The Sodium-Ion Era Begins: Freen Launches Scalable Commercial & Residential Storage Systems
The Sodium-Ion Era Begins: Freen Launches Scalable Commercial & Residential Storage Systems
Estonian company Freen OÜ has thrown down the gauntlet with the commercial launch of its scalable sodium-ion battery storage systems, marking a pivotal moment for European energy independence and diversifying the technology powering our clean energy transition.
Alan Zhu
September 10, 2025
The energy storage world is on the cusp of a significant shift, moving beyond the dominance of lithium-ion chemistry. Estonian company Freen OÜ has thrown down the gauntlet with the commercial launch of its scalable sodium-ion battery storage systems, marking a pivotal moment for European energy independence and diversifying the technology powering our clean energy transition.
This isn't just a lab experiment; these are commercially available products designed for real-world applications, from homes to factories.
Freen Sodium-Ion Systems: Expert Breakdown
Freen is launching two main product lines, both built with sodium-ion (Na-Ion) chemistry:
1. Freen-BSH (High-Voltage System)
Application: Ideal for larger homes, commercial, and industrial (C&I) applications.
Capacity: 10.08 kWh per module.
Scalability: Up to 10 modules can be connected in parallel for a massive 100.8 kWh total capacity.
Voltage: Operates at a nominal 575 V, which is efficient for larger systems and compatible with many high-voltage inverters.
Key Specs:
Cycle Life: >5,000 cycles at 80% Depth of Discharge (DoD). This is highly competitive, promising a long operational life.
Temperature Range: Can operate from -10°C to 35°C and can withstand storage from -40°C to 60°C. This cold-weather tolerance is a known advantage of sodium-ion.
Safety & Logistics: IP65 rating (dust-tight and protected against water jets), no cobalt, and crucially, not subject to international transport restrictions like lithium batteries, simplifying shipping and logistics.
2. Freen-BSL (Low-Voltage System)
Application: Suited for standard residential homes, off-grid setups, and smaller businesses.
Capacity: 7.5 kWh per module.
Scalability: Up to 6 modules for a total of 45 kWh.
Voltage: Nominal 48V, making it compatible with a vast ecosystem of standard off-grid and hybrid inverters.
Key Specs: All other specifications (cycle life, temperature, IP rating) are identical to the BSH model.
Both systems are designed for integration with solar PV and are described as "cabinet-ready" with integrated casters for easier installation.
Comparative Analysis: Sodium-Ion vs. Lithium-Ion
The most critical question is how this new technology stacks up against the established lithium-ion standard. Here’s a data-driven comparison based on Freen's offering versus a typical Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, the leading residential chemistry.
Feature | Freen Sodium-Ion (Na-Ion) | Typical Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) | Winner & Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
Cost (as stated) | €330/kWh | €230/kWh (Freen's own Li-ion price) | LFP. Na-Ion is currently at a price premium. This is expected to drop significantly as production scales. |
Cycle Life | >5,000 cycles @ 80% DoD | 6,000 - 8,000 cycles @ 80% DoD | LFP (slightly). LFP still holds a slight edge in proven long-term cycle life, but 5,000+ cycles is highly competitive. |
Cold Weather Performance | Operates down to -10°C | Often requires heating below 0°C | Na-Ion. A clear advantage. Sodium-ion cells maintain better performance in colder climates, reducing the need for and energy cost of battery heating. |
Energy Density | Lower (Larger & heavier: 123 kg for 10 kWh) | Higher (e.g., ~100 kg for 10 kWh) | LFP. For space-constrained installations, LFP is more compact. For larger C&I sites where space is less critical, this matters less. |
Raw Materials | Sodium (Abundant, cheap) | Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel (Geopolitically sensitive) | Na-Ion. Huge strategic advantage. Sodium is ubiquitous and ethically sourced, eliminating supply chain concerns. |
Safety & Transport | Inherently stable, no transport restrictions | Subject to Class 9 hazardous goods regulations | Na-Ion. A major logistical and safety benefit for distributors and installers. |
The Energy Expert's Verdict
Freen's launch is not about immediately dethroning LFP batteries. Instead, it's about providing a powerful, strategic alternative that excels in specific areas.
Who is Freen's Sodium-Ion System For?
Cold-Climate Customers: Homes and businesses in Northern Europe, Canada, and mountainous regions will benefit from the superior cold-weather operation without sacrificing cycle life.
Commercial & Industrial Projects: The high scalability to 100+ kWh, simple logistics, and inherent safety make it an excellent candidate for warehouses, farms, and small factories looking to manage peak demand charges.
The Ethically & Geopolitically Conscious: Buyers looking to avoid supply chains linked to cobalt or who want to support a truly European value chain (developed and made in Estonia) will find this compelling.
Early Adopters of Next-Gen Tech: Those who want to be at the forefront of the post-lithium era.
The Bottom Line: While sodium-ion currently carries a cost premium, its advantages in safety, logistics, cold tolerance, and material sustainability are undeniable. Freen is one of the first to bring a truly scalable, commercial product to the European market. This launch signals the beginning of a diversified storage future where the "best" battery depends on your specific location, values, and application needs.
As production scales and costs inevitably fall, sodium-ion is poised to become a dominant force, particularly in the utility and C&I sectors where its strengths shine brightest.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a certified energy storage installer to determine the best technology for your specific needs, local climate, and existing inverter system. Specifications and pricing are based on manufacturer claims and are subject to change.
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