CATL Secures First European Order for Sodium-Ion Battery Energy Storage
Claire Weston
CATL signed a memorandum with Dutch firm Alfen for 5 GWh of sodium-ion storage systems, delivering to Western Europe from 2027 — the first time sodium battery storage has entered the European market, marking a milestone in overseas commercialization.
What exactly was signed?
CATL and Dutch energy-solutions provider Alfen N.V. signed a memorandum of understanding for 5 GWh of TENER sodium-ion energy storage systems.
Deliveries cover Western European countries including the Netherlands, starting from 2027.
This means → sodium battery storage is no longer a domestic-only pilot; it has its first ticket into Europe.
How is sodium different from lithium?
The TENER system launched in late June 2026, replacing lithium with sodium as the primary raw material.
In plain terms = lithium is scarce and price-volatile; sodium — found in ordinary table salt — is abundant and cheaper, making it suited to large-scale grid storage.
CATL is advancing both lithium and sodium tracks in parallel, not betting on one alone.
Where does the domestic market stand?
In China, CATL has already signed a three-year contract with Beijing HighStar to supply 60 GWh of the same sodium battery products.
This reflects a domestic order volume 12 times the European deal; China remains the main battlefield for sodium-battery commercialization.
This means → the 5 GWh European order functions more as a "technology validation window" than a near-term revenue driver.
What matters most going forward?
Whether the European order lands on schedule and scales up will test sodium batteries' real-world compatibility with European grids.
CATL stated explicitly that the partnership will build localized experience integrating sodium-ion systems into European power networks.
In plain terms = signing a memorandum is step one; the real test is whether sodium batteries perform reliably under Europe's grid standards and climate conditions.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.