Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project breaks ground in Hubei

Ronbay

Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project construction has started in Hubei today. The 6,000 t per year line represents a 1.2bn yuan investment. However, the company has not disclosed a commissioning date.

Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project expands a diversified CAM portfolio. The firm already produces NCM, LMFP, and sodium-ion CAM. Meanwhile, high-nickel NCM remains the company’s core product.

Capacity roadmap and demand outlook

Output reached 137,351 t in 2024, up 34% year on year. Ronbay plans 130,000–150,000 t of CAM in 2025. In 2023, it committed 3bn yuan for 50,000 t per year by 2026.

The company booked a 3,000 t sodium-ion cathode order this year. Global sodium-ion demand may reach 23 GWh in 2025. As a result, two- and three-wheelers and storage will drive early volumes.

Commercial implications for sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries promise cost and safety advantages versus LMFP. Resource abundance lowers raw-material risk and improves scalability. Therefore, the Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project targets mass-market applications.

Hubei offers logistics access and supplier depth for scale-up. However, customer qualification and procurement cycles may slow adoption. Consequently, initial shipments should concentrate on mobility and stationary storage.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Ronbay sodium-ion battery cathode project signals prudent hedging beyond lithium-based chemistries. Execution will hinge on qualification wins, cost curves, and timely ramp at both 6,000 t and 50,000 t assets.