CATL has signed its first European agreement for the deployment of its sodium-ion battery energy storage system, less than one month after the product’s global debut.
The world’s largest battery manufacturer said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dutch renewable energy integrator Alfen NV to deploy 5 GWh of its Tener Sodium energy storage systems across the Netherlands and other Western European markets beginning in 2027.
The agreement marks the first planned deployment of CATL’s sodium-ion energy storage technology in Europe.
Partnership Targets European Grid Applications
Under the agreement, CATL and Alfen will work together to introduce the Tener Sodium energy storage system to European electricity networks while building localized experience with sodium-ion battery technology.
CATL said the partnership will help improve the product’s compatibility with European grid standards and accelerate the adoption of sodium-ion energy storage across the region.
The company added that the system’s compatibility with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems provides greater flexibility in battery chemistry selection while reducing exposure to fluctuations in lithium prices.
Sodium-Ion Technology Expands Beyond China
According to CATL, the Tener Sodium energy storage system has a design life of 25 years and delivers nearly a 2% improvement in round-trip efficiency (RTE), helping reduce lifecycle operating costs.
The company introduced the product on June 22, describing it as the world’s first field-validated sodium-ion battery energy storage system.
The platform offers more than 30 MWh of rated capacity and supports storage durations ranging from one to eight hours, allowing configurations to be adapted for different grid-scale energy storage projects.
CATL plans to begin initial deliveries in China in September and expects cumulative shipments to reach 1 GWh by the end of 2026, with global commercial deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2027.
Battery Business Continues to Expand
The Alfen agreement is the latest development in CATL’s growing sodium-ion battery business.
Earlier this year, the company signed a three-year supply agreement with Chinese energy storage system provider HyperStrong covering 60 GWh of sodium-ion battery capacity.
To support future demand, CATL subsequently announced plans to invest 5 billion yuan (US$739 million) in a new production facility in Fujian province that will add 40 GWh of annual sodium-ion battery manufacturing capacity.
