CATL to deploy 5GWh sodium-ion storage across Europe

CATL and European energy solutions supplier Alfen say they will deploy 5GWh of Tener Sodium energy storage systems across Europe, in what the companies describe as one of the largest commercial rollouts of sodium-ion batteries to date. The first sites are expected to come online in 2027.

The two companies have worked together since 2023, but Alfen had previously used CATL’s lithium-ion batteries. Moving to sodium-ion technology is meant to reduce reliance on lithium, limit exposure to raw-material price swings, and broaden Alfen’s storage portfolio.

According to the companies, the Tener Sodium system is rated for 15,000 cycles, or roughly 25–30 years of operation while retaining at least 70% of its original capacity. CATL says the new architecture uses 690V, improves energy conversion efficiency by nearly 2%, and cuts self-consumption to 1% — about half the industry average.

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The companies also claim better safety and stable operation across a wide temperature range. The batteries are said to retain more than 92% capacity at -20°C and withstand more than 10,000 cycles at +45°C without additional cooling.

“Sodium-ion batteries are the next step in our understanding of energy storage: they are more diversified, resilient, and aligned with market trends.”

“Thanks to their excellent safety performance and sustainability advantages throughout the lifecycle, sodium-ion batteries will bring unique value to European customers and support the region’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.”