Denver Startup Aims to Challenge China's Battery Dominance with Sodium Tech

Peak Energy bets on sodium-ion batteries to reduce reliance on Chinese lithium-ion supply chain

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A Denver-based energy storage company, Peak Energy, is attempting to challenge China's dominance in the battery supply chain with a surprising key ingredient: sodium. The company is betting on sodium-ion battery technology, which relies on soda ash - a sodium compound abundant in the United States - as a viable alternative to the lithium-ion batteries that currently power everything from electric vehicles to grid-scale energy storage.

Why it matters

Currently, China controls a significant portion of the battery materials market, prompting policymakers and industry leaders to seek alternative supply chains to bolster energy security. The U.S. holds 92% of global soda ash reserves, positioning it as a potential 'Saudi Arabia of soda ash' and giving Peak Energy a strategic advantage over China's need to synthesize soda ash from salt.

The details

Peak Energy is leveraging existing global cell supply while working towards establishing U.S. Gigafactory capacity by 2028. This dual approach allows the company to bring sodium-ion systems to market quickly while building a domestic manufacturing base. The company's strategy involves pairing proven system integration with a clear roadmap to domestic production, aligning with both U.S. energy security priorities and the growing commercial demand for non-lithium storage solutions.

  • Peak Energy is currently working towards establishing U.S. Gigafactory capacity by 2028.
  • The world's largest sodium-ion battery was launched in November 2025.

The players

Peak Energy

A Denver-based energy storage company that is attempting to challenge China's dominance in the battery supply chain with sodium-ion battery technology.

Landon Mossburg

The CEO of Peak Energy who highlighted that sodium-ion batteries trade some energy density for a longer life and lower operating costs, making them well-suited for large-scale grid storage.

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What they’re saying

“Sodium-ion batteries trade some energy density for a longer life and lower operating costs. This makes them particularly well-suited for large-scale grid storage, where size and weight are less critical than longevity and affordability.”

— Landon Mossburg, CEO, Peak Energy

What’s next

Peak Energy is currently leveraging existing global cell supply while simultaneously working towards establishing U.S. Gigafactory capacity by 2028.

The takeaway

By reducing reliance on China for battery materials, the U.S. and its allies could strengthen their energy independence and mitigate the risks associated with concentrated supply chains. This shift could also create new economic opportunities within the U.S., fostering domestic manufacturing and job creation.