CATL Tener Sodium launch marks a major step for sodium battery energy storage in 2026. CATL introduced the new system as the world’s first field-validated sodium battery energy storage solution. Moreover, the company designed it for flexibility, stability, and high availability. As a result, CATL is moving sodium-ion storage closer to large-scale commercial use.
CATL unveiled the product at its 2026 energy storage new product event. The system offers more than 30 MWh of rated capacity. In addition, CATL confirmed that first deliveries in China will begin in September 2026. The company also expects to ship 1 GWh by the end of 2026. After that, global commercial deliveries will start in June 2027.
CATL Tener Sodium launch brings a 30 MWh storage system
The new Tener Sodium system uses a fully modular design. Each module weighs 42 tons. However, CATL built the system to stay flexible for a wide range of projects. It supports 1-hour, 2-hour, 4-hour, 6-hour, and 8-hour storage applications. Therefore, operators can configure the system to match different grid and project needs.
CATL also said the system remains fully compatible in size with lithium battery systems. Because of that, customers can switch between sodium and lithium solutions with minimal disruption. This design choice should help developers speed up deployment and simplify project planning.
CATL Tener Sodium launch focuses on efficiency and flexible deployment
CATL equipped Tener Sodium with its Bi-DC dual-direction voltage control. According to the company, this feature improves round-trip efficiency by nearly 2%. At the same time, the decoupling of energy and power simplifies deployment. Consequently, project teams can adapt the system more easily to site-specific requirements.
These features matter in energy storage, where efficiency and configuration shape long-term project economics. By improving efficiency and simplifying deployment, CATL aims to give utilities and storage operators a more practical sodium-ion option.
CATL Tener Sodium launch highlights long cycle life and climate readiness
CATL placed strong emphasis on operational stability. The company said the system can achieve 15,000 cycles at 25°C while maintaining 70% state of health. In practical terms, CATL links that performance to a service life of 25 to 30 years. That long lifespan can support utility-scale applications that require dependable operation over decades.
The company also presented strong all-climate performance figures. Tener Sodium delivers more than 10,000 cycles at 45°C. In addition, it retains more than 92% of its capacity at minus 20°C. Therefore, the system can serve projects in both hot and cold environments.
CATL added that the system can suppress fire and explosion under extreme conditions. That safety positioning strengthens the product’s appeal for large-scale storage sites where reliability remains essential.
CATL Tener Sodium launch adds fast fault isolation and system availability
Another key feature is system availability. CATL introduced a millisecond-level self-healing solution for Tener Sodium. The system can locate and isolate faults within 200 milliseconds. It can also restore unaffected portions within 150 milliseconds. As a result, operators can maintain station-level redundancy with limited additional cost.
This focus on availability supports grid-scale use cases, where downtime can reduce value. Faster fault response can also improve operational continuity across large energy storage stations.
CATL Tener Sodium launch expands CATL’s sodium battery strategy
The launch fits into CATL’s broader push in energy storage and sodium-ion batteries. Earlier, the company released its five-year zero-degradation Tener system in April 2024. Later, it launched the 9 MWh Tener Stack in May 2025. Now, Tener Sodium adds a new sodium-based option to that product line.
CATL has also expanded its sodium battery supply chain and production plans. In April 2026, the company signed a three-year supply agreement totaling 60 GWh with HyperStrong, a Chinese energy storage system provider. That deal set an industry record. To support future demand, CATL later announced a 5 billion yuan investment to build 40 GWh of Sodium-ion Battery capacity in Fujian.
By the end of 2025, CATL’s cumulative investment in sodium battery research and development had approached 10 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the company had already started advancing sodium battery commercialization in passenger vehicles under its Naxtra brand.
What the CATL Tener Sodium launch means for energy storage
The CATL Tener Sodium launch shows that sodium-ion storage is moving into commercial deployment with clear scale and performance targets. CATL combined more than 30 MWh of capacity, near-term deliveries, long cycle life, and strong temperature performance in one system. Furthermore, the company backed the launch with production readiness and a shipment target of 1 GWh in 2026.
For the energy storage market, this product adds another large-format option for utilities and developers. It also shows CATL’s confidence in sodium-ion technology as a practical choice for long-duration and grid-focused applications. With deliveries starting soon in China and global shipments planned for 2027, Tener Sodium has the potential to become an important new product in large-scale energy storage.
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