CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal marks a major step for energy storage in Central and Eastern Europe. On July 21, 2026, CATL and Bulgaria-based Solarpro signed an agreement covering 2 GWh of Sodium-ion Battery storage systems. As a result, the partners expanded their cooperation beyond lithium-based systems and moved into large-scale sodium-ion deployment.
According to CATL, the companies aim to start the region’s first large-scale sodium-ion energy storage project by the end of 2026. The project will use CATL’s TENER Sodium system. In turn, it will give utilities and developers an early look at how sodium-ion storage performs in European grid conditions and colder climates.
CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal expands in Europe
The new 2-GWh agreement builds on an existing relationship between CATL and Solarpro. First, the two companies began working together in 2024. At that time, they deployed a 150-MWh EnerC+ liquid-cooled battery energy storage system in Bulgaria. Since then, the partnership has grown quickly.
In May 2026, the partners connected a 602-MWh battery storage facility to the Bulgarian power grid. That project used CATL’s lithium-based TENER system. Moreover, the site is located in Burgas and stands as Bulgaria’s largest operating battery storage facility. CATL said the project increased the country’s total storage capacity by 10%.
Solarpro handled engineering, procurement, construction, and system integration for that installation. Meanwhile, CATL supplied the battery storage technology. Because of that track record, both companies now have a clear base for rolling out sodium-ion systems across the region.
Why the CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal matters
This agreement matters because it pushes sodium-ion storage closer to utility-scale use in Europe. In addition, it shows that developers are ready to test more than one battery chemistry for grid support. Rather than replacing Lithium-ion systems, sodium-ion storage can complement them in suitable projects.
CATL positions sodium-ion batteries alongside lithium-based solutions. Therefore, project owners can match different technologies to different operating needs. For example, utilities may value cycle life, cold-weather performance, and material availability when choosing storage assets.
The 2-GWh commitment also gives sodium-ion technology meaningful scale. Instead of remaining a pilot concept, the chemistry now has a path toward broader commercial use in Central and Eastern Europe. Consequently, the market will gain practical data from real projects in real operating environments.
CATL TENER Sodium system features
CATL said its TENER Sodium system can deliver up to 15,000 charge-discharge cycles. That figure supports an operating life of about 25 to 30 years. As a result, the system offers a long service window for power storage applications.
The company also designed the system for cold conditions. Specifically, CATL said the battery retains 92% of its capacity at minus 20 degrees Celsius. That performance could make the product attractive in parts of Eastern Europe, where winter temperatures often drop sharply.
For example, Lithuania and several nearby markets can see temperatures between minus 15 and minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter. Therefore, stable low-temperature performance can support grid reliability during peak seasonal demand. At the same time, sodium-ion chemistry uses widely available raw materials. That feature may improve supply flexibility as deployment grows.
Regional relevance of the CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal
Central and Eastern Europe continue to expand renewable power capacity. However, solar and wind growth works best when grids have enough storage support. Battery systems help operators balance supply and demand, smooth output, and improve system responsiveness. Because of this, large storage projects are becoming more important across the region.
The CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal fits that trend well. Solarpro already has experience integrating CATL systems into Bulgarian power networks. Now, the company can apply that experience to sodium-ion projects. In turn, CATL gains a regional partner that understands local project execution and grid requirements.
Furthermore, this partnership gives Central and Eastern Europe an early role in sodium-ion adoption. That could attract attention from utilities, investors, and policymakers looking for proven storage options that work across different climates and use cases.
What comes next for the CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal
The partners plan to begin deployment of the first large-scale project by the end of 2026. If execution stays on schedule, the project could become a reference point for future sodium-ion storage installations in Europe. Moreover, it could help speed up adoption in neighboring markets.
Overall, the agreement shows clear momentum. CATL brings battery technology and product depth. Solarpro brings regional delivery experience and grid integration capability. Together, they are moving sodium-ion storage from product launch to large-scale application. Therefore, the 2-GWh deal stands out as an important development for Europe’s energy storage market 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.
