CATL and Intilion to Deploy 3 GWh of Sodium-Ion Storage
The five-year agreement brings sodium-ion technology to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria to stabilize power grids.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Energy
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CATL and Intilion have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy 3 GWh of sodium-ion energy storage systems across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. This deployment, scheduled over the next five years, utilizes CATL’s Tener Sodium technology announced in June 2026.
Why it matters
The adoption of sodium-ion storage offers a strategic alternative to lithium-ion systems by reducing exposure to lithium price volatility. This shift supports long-term grid stability and frequency regulation while diversifying the materials used in large-scale energy infrastructure.
The Tener Sodium system is rated for a cycle life exceeding 15,000 cycles and remains operational at temperatures as low as -20°C. Its modular architecture is dimensionally compatible with existing lithium-ion battery containers, facilitating integration flexibility.
The players
CATL
A global leader in battery technology and energy storage systems with a 27.1% market share in global lithium-ion energy storage shipments.
Intilion
A German company specializing in industrial energy storage systems that has partnered with CATL on over 30 projects since 2022.
The details
The Tener Sodium storage solution employs a modular design that allows for configurable storage durations to meet specific project needs. By using sodium ions rather than lithium, the system mitigates risks associated with lithium resource price fluctuations. It is engineered to maintain stable operation for up to 25 years, providing a robust, temperature-resilient alternative for frequency regulation in European power grids.
Timeline
2022: CATL and Intilion began deploying energy storage projects together.
June 22, 2026: CATL unveiled the Tener Sodium energy storage solution.
H1 2026: European lithium-ion storage shipments reached 72.7 GWh.
October 2026: CATL and Intilion signed a storage system MOU.
The Tech Race
While lithium-ion batteries dominated European storage with 72.7 GWh in H1 2026, this 3 GWh commitment represents a move toward diversifying grid chemistry. The race is now to establish sodium-ion viability alongside lithium standards to ensure supply chain resilience.
This deployment impacts utility-scale energy infrastructure in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, potentially lowering cost volatility for grid operators. Users will not see immediate changes as the 3 GWh of capacity is scheduled for installation over the next five years.
The takeaway
The deployment of 3 GWh of sodium-ion capacity demonstrates a clear move to diversify energy storage chemistry in European power markets. Industry observers should track project commissioning schedules over the next five years to gauge the performance of sodium-ion systems against lithium-ion benchmarks.
Further reading
For more on the shift in power storage technology, see Energy.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new sodium-ion battery technology will provide stable energy storage for your grid?
