Global battery giant CATL and  leading european energy infrastructure provider Alfen have inked a new cooperation agreement to deploy 5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems throughout Europe, extending their long-standing lithium-ion storage collaboration.

This deal ushers in a fresh chapter for the two companies’ partnership, which originated in stationary lithium-ion storage. The pair first signed a long-term battery supply contract in 2023, and broadened the cooperation scope in 2024 to address rising market demand for Alfen’s energy storage offerings across Europe.

Under the latest agreement, sodium-ion technology will be incorporated into their joint storage rollout roadmap, aiming to deliver diversified, more cost-effective stationary energy storage solutions for the European market.

The partnership brings distinct strategic benefits to both sides.

For Alfen, adding sodium-ion products diversifies its battery material lineup, optimizes overall product costs and mitigates risks caused by fluctuating lithium prices. The firm anticipates this diversified product portfolio will boost its competitiveness in public bidding for medium and large-scale energy storage projects across Europe.

For CATL, the joint European deployment enables the company to accumulate practical grid-connected operation experience for its sodium-ion storage systems, refine products to match local grid technical standards, and accelerate the global commercialization of sodium-ion energy storage technology.