[CLSTR]
< Back to all clusters
[TECHNOLOGY] · China, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru · 7 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: Alternative battery chemistries for EVs and energy storage (11 clusters)

China dominates critical mineral refining and sodium-ion battery technology

sodium-ion batteries critical minerals lithium supply chain energy storage technology resource nationalism

China is establishing dominance in the global energy transition through control over critical mineral processing and emerging battery technologies. The country currently controls over 85% of the global rare earth refining and production market and has accounted for more than 90% of the world's copper smelting capacity growth since 2005.

In the race for sodium-ion battery technology—a potential alternative to lithium-ion that utilizes more abundant materials like salt—China has secured a massive lead. According to CRU Group, China's operating and planned sodium-ion capacity exceeds 400 GWh, vastly outstripping the 11 GWh capacity found in the rest of the world. Furthermore, China holds over 98% of the world's announced sodium cell production capacity.

In response to these shifts, South American nations including Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru have signed a joint declaration in Santiago. The agreement aims to coordinate the exploration and supply chains of strategic minerals like lithium and copper to position the Cono Sur as a reliable global supplier. This comes as demand for these minerals is projected to rise by 400% to 600% over the next decade, driven by electric vehicles and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Entities

Alfen · Argentina · CATL · CRU Group · Changan · Chile · China · China · Natron Energy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] China accounted for over 90% of global copper smelting capacity growth since 2005. totalnewsagency.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Global demand for critical minerals could increase by 400% to 600% over the next decade due to the energy transition and AI infrastructure expansion. www.nodal.am
  • [● 2 SOURCES] More than 98% of the world's announced sodium-ion cell production capacity is located in China. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr
  • [● 3 SOURCES] China's operating and planned sodium-ion battery capacity exceeds 400 GWh, while the rest of the world has approximately 11 GWh. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr · www.miningmx.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] CATL has invested approximately 5 billion yuan in sodium-ion battery development. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] China controls more than 85% of the global production and refining of rare earth elements. totalnewsagency.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Sodium-ion batteries are expected to reach cost parity with lithium alternatives by 2027. www.miningmx.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru signed a joint declaration in Santiago to coordinate the exploration and supply chains of strategic minerals. www.nodal.am

Sources

China domina el cuello de botella: América Latina tiene los minerales, pero Pekín conserva la llave industrial [totalnewsagency.com]
Μπαταρίες νατρίου: Η Κίνα κερδίζει τη νέα μάχη στην αποθήκευση ενέργειας | in. gr [www.in.gr]
Μπαταρίες νατρίου: Πώς η Κίνα κερδίζει τη νέα μάχη της αποθήκευσης ενέργειας - Οικονομικός Ταχυδρόμος - ot. gr [www.ot.gr]
Cobre, litio y becas: la estrategia silenciosa de Pekín en la región [delfino.cr]
West lags China on sodium battery tech [www.miningmx.com]
Pacto de los mayores productores de cobre y litio beneficia a EEUU [www.nodal.am]
China Locks in Lead in Sodium Battery Race While West Stalls [sputnikglobe.com]