CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells drew major attention at ESIE 2026 in Beijing. The event showed how China’s energy storage sector is shifting toward full-stack systems, larger battery cells, AI data centre solutions, and stronger safety standards. Moreover, leading companies used the exhibition to present products designed for utility-scale storage, commercial applications, and high-growth AI data centre demand.
The 14th Energy Storage International Summit and Exhibition took place from 31 March to 3 April 2026 at the Beijing Capital International Convention & Exhibition Center. The event brought together major players including CATL, Sungrow, HiTHIUM, Jinko Storage, Trina Storage, Envision, LONGi, Narada Power, Pylontech, and Clou Electronics. Together, they highlighted a market that now values integrated performance, scale, and deployment readiness.
CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells set the tone at ESIE 2026
CATL placed sodium-ion technology at the center of its ESIE 2026 showcase. The company introduced its first dedicated sodium-ion cell for grid-scale storage. It designed the cell to share the same enclosure platform as its 587Ah Lithium-ion cell. As a result, developers can integrate lithium and sodium systems more easily across projects.
CATL said the sodium-ion cell offers more than 300Ah capacity, 97% efficiency, and over 15,000 cycles. The company positioned it for 2-hour to 8-hour utility-scale storage and AI data centre applications. In addition, CATL plans commercial rollout in 2026.
Alongside that launch, CATL highlighted the market traction of its 587Ah lithium-ion storage cell. The company said cumulative shipments have exceeded 5GWh. It manufactures the cell at its Lighthouse + Zero-Carbon Factory in Jining, Shandong. According to CATL, the plant produces more than 220,000 units per day, while defect rates remain at parts-per-billion level.
Envision also made a strong statement at the exhibition. The company announced mass production of a 790Ah prismatic wound storage cell, which it described as the world’s largest in its class. At the same time, Envision launched its first sodium-ion storage cell and introduced a 12.5MWh AI storage system with a next-generation AI-adaptive PCS. Therefore, Envision linked sodium-ion batteries with large-format cells and AI-focused power systems in one coordinated strategy.
CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells reflect the rise of full-stack integration
One of the clearest themes at ESIE 2026 was full-scenario, full-stack integration. Instead of competing only on cells or inverters, companies presented complete systems that improve compatibility, efficiency, and control. This shift matters because project owners now want solutions that work across utility-scale sites, industrial settings, and digital infrastructure.
Sungrow introduced what it called the world’s first full-scenario energy storage power conversion platform. The platform uses the company’s “1+X” modular PCS architecture. It combines DC management, efficient conversion, and grid-forming capabilities. Furthermore, its modular design supports flexible configuration and faster adaptation across use cases.
LONGi pushed a similar message through its Full-Stack LONGi ONE PV-storage integration strategy. The company said its self-developed technology removes silos between solar and storage systems. Consequently, it can support projects that range from utility-scale power plants to industrial and commercial parks.
CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells support AI data centre growth
AI data centres emerged as a major growth segment at ESIE 2026. As computing demand rises, operators need reliable, fast-response, and scalable power systems. Energy storage suppliers now see this market as a key source of growth and margin.
Industry data presented at the event showed that in the first two months of 2026, new energy storage installations for China’s AI computing centres accounted for more than 40% of the country’s total new capacity. In addition, global demand for this segment could reach 100GWh in 2026. Gross margins may run 15% to 20% above those of traditional storage projects.
Trina Storage and Kehua Digital Energy launched an integrated AIDC solution built for power reliability, precision distribution, and intelligent load management. Likewise, Narada Power introduced the AIOn X-Rate backup power system for AIDC sites. Narada said the platform supports 10C ultra-high-rate discharge, zero-latency response, more than 600kW per cabinet, power density above 1,900W/kg, and over 200,000 cycles of 500ms pulse discharge.
CATL further strengthened the sodium-ion story by naming AIDC as a target application for its new cell. That move showed that sodium-ion BESS technology can serve both grid and digital infrastructure markets.
CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells appear alongside larger battery formats
Large-format battery cells formed another major trend at the event. Suppliers continued moving from 280Ah and 314Ah formats toward 500Ah+, 587Ah, 588Ah, 601Ah, and even 790Ah products. This scale-up can improve system integration and reduce overall project costs.
HiTHIUM showcased its ∞Power 6.25MWh 2-hour and 4-hour storage system. Clou Electronics presented the Aqua-C3.0 Ultra with 587Ah cells and a self-developed 2000V PCS. Pylontech introduced 588Ah and 601Ah cells, while also displaying sodium-ion and solid-state products. Inpow Battery presented a 587Ah series and a semi-solid-state large-format storage cell. These launches showed a clear push toward higher-capacity platforms and broader product portfolios.
CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells feature in a market focused on safety
Safety also remained a core theme throughout ESIE 2026. HiTHIUM announced successful large-scale fire testing for its ∞Power 6.25MWh 4-hour long-duration energy storage system and received certification from UL Solutions. CRRC Energy Storage reported results from six extreme safety tests, including large-scale fire testing, under standards such as UL 9540A:2026 and NFPA 855:2025.
Meanwhile, Chint Power presented grid-forming solutions with liquid-cooled battery cabins for 5MWh and 6.25MWh configurations. The systems support both 314Ah and 587Ah cells. They also use modular design and independent cluster-level battery management to simplify operation and maintenance.
What ESIE 2026 means for the energy storage market
ESIE 2026 showed a clear market direction. Companies now compete through complete systems, scalable cell platforms, AI-ready applications, and verified safety performance. CATL and Envision sodium-ion BESS cells stood out because they aligned with all of those themes at once.
Overall, the Beijing expo showed that China’s storage market is moving beyond component-only competition. It now favors integrated solutions that support utility-scale storage, AI data centres, and next-generation grid needs. For that reason, sodium-ion batteries, larger cell formats, and full-stack platforms will remain key topics across the global storage industry in 2026.
Disclaimer:
The content presented on this page has not been manually verified by our team.
While we strive to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the validity, completeness,
or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult with appropriate professionals
or sources before making any decisions based on this content.
The image is randomly selected and doesn’t necessarily represent the company or the news above.
