CATL launches world's first commercial sodium-ion energy storage system

CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has launched the TENER Sodium energy storage system, the first of its kind to utilize sodium-ion technology for commercial-scale grid applications. Unveiled in Munich, Germany, the system aims to reduce reliance on lithium, which is characterized by high costs, scarcity, and fire risks.

Sodium is approximately 1,000 times more abundant in nature than lithium, offering a more stable and cost-effective supply chain. While sodium-ion batteries typically have lower energy density, CATL has optimized the system through a 42-ton module providing over 30 megawatt hours (MWh) of capacity, bidirectional voltage regulation to maintain a stable 690V output, and advanced cooling designs.

Technical specifications indicate the system can withstand 15,000 charge-discharge cycles at 25 degrees Celsius before capacity drops to 70%, suggesting a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Additionally, the technology maintains over 92% capacity even at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, addressing a common weakness of lithium-ion batteries in cold climates.