Abstract: An electrochemical cell (10) comprising an anode compartment (14) and a cathode compartment (15) each defined in part by a respective metal plate (11, 12), the anode compartment (14) of the cell when charged containing an alkali metal, and the of the alkali metal, and the anode compartment (14) also comprises a perforated planar sheet (24) of an inert metal immediately adjacent to the sheet (23) of ceramic, to provide support to the sheet of ceramic. The perforated metal sheet and the planar sheet of ceramic are formed separately. The cell (10) may be a sodium/metal halide cell; and multiple cells (10) which define edge flanges (20) may be stacked in an insulating frame (35), so a heat transfer fluid may be passed between the edge flanges (20) of the cells (10).