Alfen N.V., a leading European energy solutions provider, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, have agreed to deploy 5 gigawatt-hours of sodium-ion battery energy storage systems across Europe. This collaboration marks an expansion of their existing partnership, which began in 2023 with lithium-ion battery supply and was extended in 2024 to meet Alfen’s growing energy storage needs.
Under the new agreement, CATL will supply advanced sodium-ion battery systems designed to offer improved safety performance and lifecycle sustainability. These systems are intended to support Europe’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy infrastructure by delivering lower-cost energy storage solutions that diversify beyond traditional lithium-ion technologies.
“Sodium-ion is the next step in how we think about energy storage—more diversified, resilient, and built for where the market is heading. This step with CATL puts us ahead of that curve,” said Michael Colijn, CEO of Alfen. He noted that the partnership will allow Alfen to broaden its battery material portfolio, optimize its cost structure, and mitigate exposure to lithium price volatility, enhancing its competitiveness in mid- to large-scale project tenders across Europe.
Tan Libin, Chief Customer Officer and Co-President of Sales and Marketing at CATL, added, “We are excited to partner with one of our key strategic partners to accelerate the deployment of next-generation energy storage technologies across Europe. With their superior safety performance and lifecycle sustainability advantages, sodium-ion batteries will deliver unique value to European customers and support the region’s clean-energy goals.”
The initiative also provides CATL with an opportunity to gain localized experience in European grid applications, refine product adaptation to regional grid codes, and expedite the global scale-up of sodium-ion energy storage shipments. Both companies will jointly pursue new business opportunities beyond traditional battery supply, supporting renewable integration and fostering cross-border collaboration in the clean-energy sector.
Source: CATL News
