CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal marks a major step for energy storage in Central and Eastern Europe. CATL and Solarpro signed an agreement for 2 GWh of Sodium-ion Battery storage systems. As a result, the partnership now expands beyond lithium-based systems. Moreover, it opens the door for one of the region’s first large-scale commercial sodium-ion deployments.
CATL announced the agreement on July 21, 2026. The company said the first large-scale sodium-ion energy storage project in Central and Eastern Europe should begin deployment by the end of 2026. The project will use CATL’s TENER Sodium system. Therefore, it will give utilities and developers an early look at how sodium-ion storage performs in real European grid conditions.
CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal expands in Europe
The new agreement covers 2 GWh of sodium-ion battery energy storage capacity. That is a meaningful volume for an emerging chemistry. In addition, it shows that CATL and Solarpro want to scale energy storage with a broader technology mix.
Solarpro, a Bulgarian renewable energy company, already has direct experience with CATL systems. Because of that, the two companies can move faster on project execution. Their partnership also supports the wider growth of grid storage across Central and Eastern Europe, where countries continue to add more renewable power capacity.
Furthermore, sodium-ion batteries bring practical benefits for stationary storage. They use widely available raw materials. They also support supply diversification. At the same time, they give project developers another option for matching battery chemistry to site conditions and operating needs.
CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal uses TENER Sodium
The planned projects will use CATL’s TENER Sodium energy storage system. According to CATL, the system can deliver up to 15,000 charge and discharge cycles. That level supports an operating life of about 25 to 30 years. For grid operators, that long service life can improve planning for long-term storage assets.
CATL also designed the system for strong low-temperature performance. The company said TENER Sodium can retain 92% of its capacity at minus 20 degrees Celsius. This feature matters in parts of Eastern Europe, where winter temperatures often drop sharply. Therefore, the system could fit markets such as Lithuania and nearby countries especially well.
In addition, the focus on temperature resilience adds to the appeal of sodium-ion storage for outdoor installations. Reliable cold-weather performance can help stabilize renewable energy output during winter months. As a result, utilities can better balance supply and demand through seasonal weather shifts.
Previous CATL and Solarpro projects built a strong base
The latest agreement builds on cooperation that started in 2024. At that time, CATL and Solarpro deployed a 150 MWh EnerC+ liquid-cooled battery storage system in Bulgaria. That project gave Solarpro hands-on experience with CATL technology and system integration.
Then, in May 2026, the partnership reached a larger milestone. A 602 MWh battery storage facility using CATL’s lithium-based TENER system connected to the Bulgarian power grid. The facility is located in Burgas. According to CATL, it is Bulgaria’s largest operating battery storage facility.
The Burgas site also increased Bulgaria’s total storage capacity by 10%. Solarpro handled engineering, procurement, construction, and system integration. Meanwhile, CATL supplied the storage technology. Because the companies already completed major work together, the new sodium-ion deal stands on a proven operating relationship.
Why the CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal matters
This agreement matters for more than just project volume. It gives sodium-ion technology a clear path toward utility-scale deployment in Europe. It also strengthens CATL’s international push for diversified battery storage solutions.
Importantly, CATL is not positioning sodium-ion as a direct replacement for lithium-based storage in every case. Instead, the company is offering both chemistries for different project needs. That approach gives developers more flexibility. It also helps utilities choose systems based on climate, cycling needs, and long-term operating plans.
For Central and Eastern Europe, that flexibility could be valuable. The region is upgrading power networks and adding renewable generation. At the same time, storage demand continues to rise. Therefore, a 2 GWh sodium-ion pipeline could support grid balancing, renewable integration, and energy security goals.
Outlook for sodium-ion storage in 2026
Looking ahead, the CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal positions both companies well in a growing market. The 2 GWh commitment shows confidence in sodium-ion battery storage at commercial scale. It also signals that Europe’s storage market is ready to test and adopt more battery technologies.
If deployment begins on schedule by the end of 2026, the project could become an important reference point for future energy storage investments in the region. Above all, the agreement highlights how CATL and Solarpro are turning a long-running partnership into a broader platform for next-generation battery storage growth in Europe.
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