CATL and Intilion Partner for Sodium-Ion Storage
The companies plan to deploy 3 GWh of sodium-ion energy storage systems across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria over five years.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Energy
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CATL has signed a memorandum of understanding with Intilion to bring 3 GWh of its new Tener Sodium energy storage systems to European markets. This multi-year agreement aims to expand storage infrastructure in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Why it matters
The deployment of sodium-ion technology helps reduce reliance on lithium, insulating customers from price volatility while providing frequency regulation support. The system is designed for high durability in various climates, offering stable performance even at temperatures as low as -20°C.
The Tener Sodium system features a cycle life exceeding 15,000 cycles and operates effectively at -20°C. Its modular design is dimensionally compatible with existing lithium-ion infrastructure, allowing for flexible deployment durations.
The players
CATL
CATL is a global technology company specializing in the development and manufacturing of lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles.
Intilion
Intilion is a German-based company that develops integrated battery energy storage systems for commercial and industrial applications.
The details
The collaboration expands on a partnership that has already delivered over 30 energy storage projects in Germany since 2022. By utilizing sodium-ion chemistry, the project aims to provide long-term energy stability and power management capabilities for regional utility grids.
Timeline
2022: CATL and Intilion began deploying energy storage projects.
June 22, 2026: CATL unveiled the Tener Sodium energy storage solution.
H1 2026: European lithium-ion storage shipments reached 72.7 GWh.
October 2026: CATL and Intilion signed a storage system MOU.
The Big Picture
The deployment of the Tener Sodium energy storage system represents a significant shift toward commercializing sodium-ion alternatives to traditional lithium batteries. This move signals a transition in grid-scale storage design aimed at mitigating supply chain risks associated with lithium price fluctuations.
The adoption of modular sodium-ion storage could lead to more resilient power grids with lower vulnerability to commodity price spikes. This technological shift may eventually result in more stable energy costs for industrial and commercial users across Europe.
The takeaway
Sodium-ion technology offers a viable, temperature-resilient alternative for long-term grid stability as global storage demands rise. Companies seeking energy independence are increasingly adopting these systems to buffer against the volatility of lithium-based supply chains.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in large-scale power infrastructure, visit the Energy section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new sodium-ion battery technology will provide stable energy storage for your grid?
