CATL has introduced its Tener Sodium energy storage system, which the company describes as the world’s first field-validated sodium-ion battery energy storage solution.
The product was unveiled during CATL’s 2026 energy storage product launch event as the company continues to expand its portfolio beyond lithium-based battery technologies.
Large-Scale Modular Energy Storage System
The Tener Sodium system is designed for utility-scale energy storage applications and offers a rated capacity exceeding 30 MWh.
CATL said the product uses a fully modular architecture, with individual modules weighing approximately 42 tonnes.
The system can be configured for a range of storage durations, including one-, two-, four-, six-, and eight-hour applications, allowing operators to tailor installations to specific project requirements.
Focus on Efficiency and Reliability
According to CATL, the system incorporates a dual-direction voltage control technology designed to improve round-trip efficiency by nearly 2%.
The company said the architecture separates energy and power functions, which can simplify project deployment and system configuration.
Reliability and operational stability were highlighted as key design priorities.
CATL said the battery system can achieve up to 15,000 charge-discharge cycles at 25 degrees Celsius while maintaining 70% state of health, which the company estimates corresponds to an operating life of 25 to 30 years.
Designed for Wide Temperature Ranges
The company stated that the system is designed to operate across a broad range of environmental conditions.
According to CATL, the battery can exceed 10,000 cycles at 45 degrees Celsius and retain more than 92% of its capacity at temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
The company also said the system includes safety features intended to reduce the risk of fire or explosion under extreme operating conditions.
Fault Isolation Technology
CATL said the system incorporates a fault management solution capable of identifying and isolating issues within 200 milliseconds.
Unaffected sections of the system can reportedly resume operation within 150 milliseconds, helping maintain availability while minimizing additional infrastructure requirements.
The system is also designed to be physically compatible with lithium-based energy storage installations, allowing operators to transition between technologies if needed.
Commercial Launch Timeline
CATL plans to begin the first deliveries of the Tener Sodium system in China in September.
The company expects to ship approximately 1 GWh of the product by the end of 2026.
International deliveries are scheduled to begin in June 2027.
Expanding Sodium-Ion Battery Development
The launch comes as interest in sodium-ion battery technology continues to grow as a potential alternative to lithium-based batteries in selected applications.
CATL has been increasing investment in the technology, including plans to build 40 GWh of sodium-ion battery production capacity in Fujian.
In April, the company also announced a three-year supply agreement totaling 60 GWh with energy storage system provider HyperStrong.
According to previously disclosed information, CATL’s cumulative investment in sodium battery research and development had approached 10 billion yuan by the end of 2025.
The company has also begun introducing sodium-ion battery technology into the passenger vehicle sector through its Naxtra brand.
CATL founder and chairman Robin Zeng has previously said sodium-ion batteries could eventually account for a significant share of the battery market if costs continue to decline and commercialization expands.
