Gasgoo Munich- On July 16, CATL recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Alfen N.V., a leading European renewable energy integrator. The partners plan to deploy 5 GWh of CATL's Tianheng sodium-ion energy storage systems across the Netherlands and other Western European countries starting in 2027.
Image Source: CATL
The partnership marks the first large-scale commercial rollout of the Tianheng Sodium-ion Energy Storage System in Europe. Designed for a 25-year lifespan, the system lifts overall round-trip efficiency (RTE) by nearly 2%, effectively driving down lifecycle costs. Crucially, it is compatible with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) setups — giving Alfen more flexibility in battery material choices and buffering against lithium price volatility.
Unveiled globally this June in Munich, the Tianheng system delivers up to 30 MWh per unit. Its fully modular design retains over 92% of capacity even at -20°C, while operating noise stays at just 65 decibels — making it adaptable to a wide range of storage scenarios.
For CATL, the deal offers a foothold to build localized expertise in grid-scale sodium-ion applications across Europe. The battery giant aims to fine-tune its products to local grid standards, accelerating the technology's commercial rollout and advancing Europe's shift toward zero-carbon, diversified energy.
Alfen, headquartered in the Netherlands, brings nearly 90 years of history to the partnership. The firm ranks among Europe's leading integrators of smart grids, energy storage systems, and EV charging equipment.
