@Byrnejmf CATL has recently doubled down on Sodium Ion battery tech increasing energy density, once again, to compete for larger EV's, and completely replacing Lithium in battery storage - and that includes solar/wind storage.
Lithium requires far more extensive mineral byproducts for mass production, where Sodium does not, and is far more temperature sustainable.
For the world's largest battery producer to go directly against the technology that has brought them to prominence, is a major shift in the #EnergyTransition movement. SMR's are only as feasible as liquid Thorium reactor tech #TMSR because of the far greater availability of solid fuels for Plutonium enrichment, and the liquid form adding more heating options for industrial applications - including desalination and Sodium Ion battery production.
This tech has been available for development since the 1970's, but has suffered continued suppression by US fossil fuels interests, as well as the Cold War push for nuclear bombs. China has recently refueled its Thorium reactor live, without shutting down, unlike hard fuels and larger reactors in pressurized water applications - some of which SMR's are now utilizing.
But don't bet on the US in investing in this at all - especially with retiring politicians that are at the beckon call of fossil fuels.
China leads all other nations combined, in #renewables.