Sodium-ion BESS in CEE is gaining momentum as CATL and Solarpro Technology move ahead with a 2 GWh strategic cooperation plan. On July 23, 2026, the Chinese battery maker and the Bulgarian photovoltaic systems provider announced an agreement to explore Sodium-ion Battery energy storage solutions across Central and Eastern Europe. As a result, the partners aim to bring the first sodium-ion BESS project in the region into operation and expand advanced storage deployment in key power markets.
CATL said the agreement covers 2 GWh of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems. Moreover, the companies plan to assess where this technology can deliver the strongest value across Central and Eastern Europe, also known as CEE. Their cooperation builds on an earlier project in Bulgaria and signals stronger regional interest in flexible grid infrastructure, renewable integration, and long-duration energy support.
Sodium-Ion BESS in CEE gains scale with CATL and Solarpro
CATL ranks among the world’s largest battery manufacturers, while Solarpro Technology holds a strong position in photovoltaic systems and energy solutions in Southeast Europe. Together, they want to identify practical uses for sodium-ion storage and speed up deployment in markets that need reliable and efficient balancing capacity.
According to CATL, the two companies will explore sodium-ion storage applications in several countries across CEE. In addition, they will work toward commissioning the first sodium-ion BESS project in the region. This goal gives the agreement clear commercial importance. It also places Bulgaria and neighboring markets closer to the next phase of energy storage growth.
Krasen Mateev, CEO of Solarpro Holding, said sodium-ion technology shows strong promise for Eastern Europe. He pointed to low-temperature performance and long-cycle life as key strengths. Furthermore, he highlighted Lithuania and other regional markets as attractive locations for future deployment. His comments suggest the partners are already looking beyond one country and planning for a broader regional rollout.
CATL and Solarpro build on a 602 MWh Bulgaria project
This new agreement did not emerge in isolation. Earlier in May 2026, CATL and Solarpro connected a 602 MWh large-scale battery energy storage system to Bulgaria’s electricity grid. That project marked an important milestone for the local market. Notably, it increased Bulgaria’s total energy storage capacity by 10%.
The scale of that project shows that both companies already have experience working together on major infrastructure. Therefore, the new 2 GWh sodium-ion plan rests on an established partnership rather than a first-time collaboration. That matters for investors, grid operators, and energy market participants who want evidence of execution capacity.
The 602 MWh installation also demonstrated Solarpro’s ability to support grid-connected battery projects in Bulgaria. At the same time, it reinforced CATL’s role as a major supplier of advanced battery systems for large energy applications. Because of that shared track record, the strategic cooperation agreement carries more weight in the regional storage sector.
Why sodium-ion BESS in CEE matters for regional energy markets
Central and Eastern Europe continues to add renewable energy capacity, especially solar power. However, higher renewable penetration creates a stronger need for energy storage that can balance supply and demand. Sodium-ion battery systems can help utilities and developers store electricity, support grid stability, and improve the use of renewable generation across different times of day.
In addition, many markets in CEE are modernizing their power systems. Governments, utilities, and private investors are placing greater attention on flexible technologies that support energy security and grid efficiency. Against that backdrop, sodium-ion BESS projects could play an important role in future capacity expansion.
Solarpro’s regional knowledge may help identify the best use cases in countries with rising power demand and growing solar capacity. Meanwhile, CATL brings battery manufacturing scale, technical expertise, and global market experience. As a result, the partnership combines local project insight with international technology leadership.
Sodium-ion BESS in CEE could start with Lithuania and nearby markets
Solarpro’s leadership specifically mentioned Lithuania as a market with strong potential. That comment matters because low-temperature performance can support battery use in colder climates. Moreover, the broader Eastern European region includes several markets where power system flexibility is becoming more valuable.
Although the companies have not yet named a first project site, their statement shows a clear regional ambition. They want to optimize sodium-ion storage solutions and match them to suitable applications. For example, future systems could support renewable integration, peak management, and broader grid services.
What the CATL and Solarpro agreement means in 2026
The announcement positions CATL and Solarpro among the early movers in sodium-ion BESS development in Central and Eastern Europe in 2026. The planned 2 GWh volume is significant, and it points to a serious commercial effort rather than a small pilot. If the partners deliver the first sodium-ion BESS project in the region, they could shape how utilities and developers approach next-generation storage.
Solarpro Technology is based in Sofia and operates as the Bulgarian subsidiary of UK-headquartered Solarpro. In turn, Solarpro Holding forms part of Vienna-based Renalfa Solarpro Group. CATL describes itself as a global leader in zero-carbon new energy technology, focused on solutions for worldwide energy applications.
Overall, the agreement highlights growing confidence in advanced battery storage across CEE. More importantly, it ties that momentum to a concrete 2 GWh plan, a recent 602 MWh success in Bulgaria, and a goal to commission the region’s first sodium-ion BESS project. Therefore, the CATL-Solarpro partnership stands out as a notable energy storage development in Europe’s evolving power market.
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