CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal marks a major step for energy storage in Central and Eastern Europe. CATL and Bulgarian renewable energy company Solarpro signed an agreement for 2 GWh of Sodium-ion Battery storage systems. As a result, the partnership now expands beyond lithium-based projects and moves into large-scale sodium-ion deployment in Europe.
CATL shared the update on July 21, 2026, through its WeChat account. Moreover, the companies plan to launch Central and Eastern Europe’s first large-scale sodium-ion energy storage project by the end of 2026. The project will use CATL’s TENER Sodium system. Therefore, it will provide an important commercial reference point for sodium-ion storage under European grid and weather conditions.
CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal expands in Europe
The new agreement covers 2 GWh of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems. That is a substantial volume for an emerging technology. In addition, it shows that CATL and Solarpro want to scale next-generation storage solutions across Central and Eastern Europe.
The deal builds on an existing relationship. CATL and Solarpro first worked together in 2024. At that time, they deployed a 150 MWh EnerC+ liquid-cooled battery storage system in Bulgaria. Since then, both companies have deepened their cooperation and moved into larger projects.
In May 2026, they connected a 602 MWh energy storage facility to the Bulgarian power grid. The site uses CATL’s lithium-based TENER system. It is located in Burgas and stands as Bulgaria’s largest operating battery storage facility. According to CATL, the project increased Bulgaria’s total storage capacity by 10%.
Solarpro handled engineering, procurement, construction, and system integration for that project. Meanwhile, CATL supplied the battery storage technology. Because the companies already worked together on major grid projects, they now have a strong base for sodium-ion deployment as well.
CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal uses TENER Sodium
The upcoming project will use CATL’s TENER Sodium system. CATL says the system can deliver up to 15,000 charge-discharge cycles. In turn, that supports an operating life of around 25 to 30 years. These figures make the system attractive for long-duration grid support and long-term infrastructure planning.
CATL also designed the system for strong low-temperature performance. According to the company, TENER Sodium retains 92% of its capacity at minus 20 degrees Celsius. That feature matters in Central and Eastern Europe, where winter conditions often test battery reliability.
For example, Lithuania and several Eastern European markets can see winter temperatures from minus 15 to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Therefore, a storage system that performs well in cold weather can support more stable grid operations during peak winter demand. In addition, dependable cold-climate performance can help developers plan projects with greater confidence.
Why sodium-ion storage fits the region
Sodium-ion battery technology uses more widely available raw materials than conventional Lithium-ion batteries. As a result, it offers supply diversity and can support broader energy storage adoption. Furthermore, sodium-ion systems add another option for utilities and project developers that want to match battery chemistry with local operating needs.
In this case, Central and Eastern Europe provides a practical market for that approach. The region continues to invest in renewable power, grid balancing, and energy security. Therefore, battery storage systems that offer long life, cold-weather stability, and flexible deployment can play an important role.
CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal strengthens CATL’s strategy
For CATL, the Solarpro agreement supports a wider international strategy for sodium-ion storage commercialization. The company is positioning sodium-ion batteries alongside lithium-based systems. In other words, CATL is building a broader portfolio so customers can choose the chemistry that best fits each project.
The latest deal also gives CATL a proven regional partner. Solarpro already has direct experience integrating CATL products into Eastern European power networks. Because of that, the 2 GWh agreement could accelerate real-world deployment and strengthen market confidence in sodium-ion technology.
Just as importantly, the project moves sodium-ion storage from product validation toward utility-scale implementation in Europe. That transition matters for developers, power operators, and policymakers. Once systems operate at scale, the market gains clearer data on performance, lifespan, and use cases.
What the CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal means
The CATL Solarpro sodium-ion storage deal signals growing momentum for advanced battery storage in Europe. It combines a large 2 GWh commitment with a first-mover project in Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, it builds on earlier cooperation in Bulgaria, including a 150 MWh project in 2024 and a 602 MWh facility connected in 2026.
Overall, the agreement shows how CATL and Solarpro are turning an established partnership into a larger regional platform for energy storage growth. With TENER Sodium, the companies are bringing long cycle life, cold-weather performance, and large-scale ambition to a market that needs flexible grid solutions. As deployment begins by the end of 2026, this project could become an important reference for sodium-ion battery storage across Europe.
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