This is really great news for transitioning to renewable sources using cheap clean high quality stationary batteries.
And if the 2nd gen will be compact enough for cars/trucks/buses... even better!
Although the energy density per unit mass competes with LFP, the sodium-ion cathodic material is less dense than the material in LFP battery cells. Currently available Na-ion cells need about 40% more total volume then LFP near-equivalents.
In automobiles and trucks, where space for battery packs is at a premium, this makes sodium-ion cells less attractive to use than more expensive Lithium cells. The voltage curve is also more viarable (with state-of-charge changes), and the lifespan is somewhat shorter (perhaps 3000-4000 charge cycles, rather than 6000+ for LFP cells -- both used with conservative charge limits at the top and bottom ragnae of possible SOC states.
They will be GREAT for fixed installations, but they are too large for vehicles.