Chinese battery giant CATL has introduced what it says is the world’s first sodium-ion energy storage system proven in real-world conditions. It expects total shipments to reach 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) by the end of 2026.
The company launched its new TENER Sodium Energy Storage System in Munich, Germany, on June 22, 2026, marking a significant step toward sodium-ion battery use in large-scale energy storage projects.
This launch comes at a time when utilities, renewable energy developers, and industrial customers are looking for new storage solutions to meet rising electricity demand and the fast growth of wind and solar power. CATL plans to start delivering to customers in China in September 2026, with global shipments beginning in June 2027.
CATL believes sodium-ion batteries are a strong addition to lithium-based technologies in future energy systems. According to the company, sodium is over 1,000 times more common than lithium and is found all over the world, making it a promising choice for stationary storage.
“We believe that sodium and lithium together will form the twin foundations of the future energy storage system,” commented William Wu, Director of CATL’s Energy Storage Technology Center.
The battery maker has been researching and developing sodium-ion batteries since 2016. During this time, the company says it invested almost €1.2 billion ($1.14 billion) to build a full manufacturing process, including materials, cells, and system production.
To meet future demand, it has increased its production capacity. The company invested around CNY 5 billion ($737 million) in sodium-ion manufacturing lines at its Fuding facility, adding 40 GWh of annual production capacity. Another planned facility in Jining, Shandong, will support up to 160 GWh of sodium-ion battery production.
A main feature of the system is that it works with existing lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage systems. The firm said the TENER Sodium system has the same size and shape as LFP systems, so developers can use their current platforms without changing enclosures, redesigning projects, or repeating certifications.
The system’s modular design provides over 30 megawatt-hours (MWh) of rated capacity. Each module weighs about 46 tons, and just 34 units are needed to create a 1-GWh energy storage site.
This compatibility can make it easier for developers to add sodium-ion technology without big changes to existing infrastructure. As battery storage projects grow worldwide, reducing engineering and permitting steps can help speed up project timelines.
CATL said the TENER Sodium system is built for tough operating conditions. The company reports it can last up to 15,000 cycles at 77°F (25°C) while keeping 70 percent of its health. This means the system could last about 25 to 30 years.
The system is also made to work across a wide range of temperatures. The battery giant claims it can handle over 10,000 cycles at 113°F (45°C) and keep more than 92 percent of its capacity at -4°F (-20°C).
The company further stated that the battery system can reduce fire and explosion risks even in extreme conditions. This addresses a major concern in the industry as grid-scale storage projects expand around the world.
At the Munich event, CATL stressed that the product is now past the demonstration stage. The company says the TENER Sodium system is ready for commercial use, with mature technology, manufacturing, and supply chain support.
The goal of shipping 1 GWh by the end of 2026 shows that sodium-ion batteries are moving into large-scale commercial use. The firm’s latest launch suggests sodium-ion batteries may soon become a meaningful part of that expanding market alongside established lithium-based systems.
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A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.
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