CATL and Alfen sign 5 GWh sodium-ion storage deal for Europe
By Eve
CATL has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dutch energy company Alfen to deploy 5 GWh of its Tener Sodium energy storage systems across Europe, with deployments scheduled to begin in 2027. The batteries are rated for 15,000 cycles and a 25 to 30 year service life, positioning sodium-ion technology as a grid storage solution based on longevity rather than energy density. Alfen, which has more than 1 GWh of storage installed across Europe and has bought lithium-ion cells from CATL since 2023, said the move aims to optimise cost structures and improve resilience against lithium price volatility.
Why it matters: This marks one of the largest sodium-ion commitments in Europe and signals a potential shift in grid storage procurement away from lithium-ion, driven by supply chain resilience and cost stability. For CPOs and storage integrators, the 25 to 30 year lifespan claim could reshape total cost of ownership calculations for stationary applications that support EV charging infrastructure.