Amsterdam / Ningde — Alfen N.V., a prominent European energy solutions provider, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world's largest battery manufacturer, have officially unveiled a strategic collaboration to roll out 5 GWh of CATL's next-generation sodium-ion battery energy storage systems across multiple European markets. The move elevates the long-standing partnership between the two companies into a new phase, one that embraces diversified, technology-led pathways to support Europe's accelerating energy transition.

Since their initial cooperation began, Alfen and CATL have collaborated closely on lithium-ion storage projects, steadily building a foundation of trust and technical alignment. In 2023, the pair entered a long-term battery supply agreement, which was subsequently expanded in 2024 to meet Alfen's rapidly growing demand for utility-scale storage deployments throughout the continent. This latest sodium-ion initiative represents a natural evolution of that relationship, shifting focus toward next-generation chemistry that promises cost efficiencies and supply-chain resilience.

⚡ At a glance · 5 GWh capacity · Sodium-ion technology · Pan-European deployment · Diversification beyond lithium-ion.

"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 and we're looking forward to continuing this partnership."

— Michael Colijn, CEO, Alfen

"We are excited to partner with Alfen, 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 transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future."

— Tan Libin, Chief Customer Officer & Co-President of Sales and Marketing, CATL

Industry observers note that this collaboration establishes a forward-looking framework for next-generation, low-cost storage solutions, creating new business opportunities that extend beyond the conventional lithium-ion battery supply chain. The deal is expected to unlock several strategic advantages for both parties.

For Alfen

Diversification of battery material sourcing, optimised cost structures for storage products, stronger resilience against lithium price volatility, and enhanced competitiveness in mid-to-large scale European project tenders.

For CATL

Valuable localised grid-application experience in Europe, improved product adaptation to regional grid codes, and a accelerated pathway to scale sodium-ion energy storage shipments on a global level.

Looking ahead, both companies intend to jointly accelerate the large-scale adoption of sodium-ion storage technology across Europe, reinforcing the continent's renewable integration efforts. The partnership signals a new era of cross-border clean-energy collaboration, with sodium-ion positioned as a complementary pillar alongside established lithium-ion solutions.

With the 5 GWh commitment already in motion, market analysts will be watching closely as Alfen and CATL begin deploying pilot projects and scaling up supply chains. The outcome could reshape how European utilities and project developers approach storage procurement — moving toward a more diversified, resilient, and cost-optimised energy future.