Sodium-ion BESS in CEE is moving from planning to execution as CATL and Solarpro Technology launch a strategic partnership for 2 GWh of battery energy storage across Central and Eastern Europe. The agreement sets a clear target. The two companies want to develop sodium-ion storage projects in the region and bring the first sodium-ion BESS project in CEE into operation. As a result, the deal marks an important step for large-scale energy storage in Eastern Europe in 2026.
CATL announced the cooperation on July 23, 2026. The Chinese battery manufacturer signed the agreement with Bulgaria-based photovoltaic systems provider Solarpro Technology. Together, the partners will explore where Sodium-ion Battery energy storage can deliver the most value across CEE. In addition, they will work on project design, deployment planning, and use cases that fit regional power market needs.
Sodium-ion BESS in CEE gains scale with a 2 GWh plan
The headline figure in the agreement is 2 GWh. That volume gives the partnership meaningful scale from the start. Moreover, it shows that CATL and Solarpro are not testing a small pilot. Instead, they are planning utility-scale storage with broad regional relevance. For investors, utilities, and grid operators, the size of the plan signals confidence in sodium-ion technology for commercial deployment.
The companies said they aim to commission the first sodium-ion BESS project in the region. That goal matters because it can open the door for additional projects in several CEE markets. Sodium-ion technology offers strong performance in low temperatures and long cycle life. Therefore, it fits well with the operating conditions in parts of Eastern Europe, where winter resilience and long-term durability matter for storage assets.
CATL and Solarpro target Lithuania and wider Eastern Europe
Solarpro sees strong potential for sodium-ion deployment in Lithuania and other Eastern European markets. CEO Krasen Mateev said the technology offers clear advantages and that the company wants to optimize solutions with CATL for the region. Consequently, the partnership will likely focus on the most suitable application scenarios first, then expand as project economics and market demand align.
That regional approach makes sense. Different CEE countries have different grid needs, renewable energy profiles, and balancing requirements. Some markets need storage to smooth solar output. Others need support for grid flexibility, peak shaving, or reserve services. Because of that, a multi-country strategy can help the partners match sodium-ion systems to the best early opportunities.
Sodium-ion BESS in CEE builds on a proven CATL-Solarpro track record
This new agreement does not start from zero. CATL and Solarpro already worked together on a major battery energy storage project in Bulgaria. In May 2026, they connected a 602 MWh large-scale BESS to Bulgaria’s electricity grid. That project increased the country’s total energy storage capacity by 10%. In other words, the companies already demonstrated that they can deliver large storage assets and execute complex grid integration work.
That earlier success gives the sodium-ion plan added credibility. First, it shows that the partnership can move from agreement to implementation. Second, it confirms that both companies understand regional permitting, engineering, and grid connection requirements. As a result, the new 2 GWh initiative stands on a practical foundation rather than a purely strategic announcement.
Why sodium-ion BESS in CEE matters in 2026
Energy storage plays a bigger role in European power systems each year. Renewable power additions continue to grow, and grids need more flexibility to manage changing supply patterns. Therefore, large battery projects now sit at the center of energy transition planning. In CEE, that need is especially important as countries expand solar generation and modernize electricity infrastructure.
Sodium-ion battery systems add another storage option for project developers and power market participants. CATL, as a global leader in new energy technology, brings battery expertise and manufacturing strength to the partnership. Meanwhile, Solarpro brings regional execution capacity and experience in photovoltaic and storage integration. Together, the companies can combine technology, local market knowledge, and project delivery capabilities.
Solarpro Technology operates from Sofia as the Bulgarian subsidiary of UK-headquartered Solarpro. It is also part of Vienna-based Renalfa Solarpro Group. That corporate structure supports its reach across Southeast Europe and nearby markets. CATL, for its part, remains one of the world’s best-known energy storage and battery companies, with a strong position in advanced battery solutions.
What the CATL and Solarpro deal could mean for the CEE market
The 2 GWh cooperation plan could accelerate interest in sodium-ion battery energy storage across Central and Eastern Europe. If the first regional project moves ahead on schedule, other developers may follow with similar deployments. In addition, utilities and industrial energy users may look more closely at sodium-ion systems for future storage tenders.
For now, the key facts are clear. CATL and Solarpro signed a strategic agreement on July 23, 2026. The partnership covers 2 GWh of sodium-ion BESS. The companies will explore deployment across CEE. They also aim to commission the first sodium-ion battery energy storage project in the region. After their 602 MWh Bulgaria grid connection in May, the new plan strengthens their position in the fast-growing CEE storage market.
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