Dutch energy solutions provider Alfen has partnered with Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited to deploy 5 gigawatt-hours of the latter's advanced sodium-ion battery energy storage systems across Europe, according to a statement issued Thursday.
The move will help Alfen diversify its battery materials portfolio, reduce energy storage products costs, protect itself from lithium price volatility, and improve its competitiveness in medium- and large-scale European energy storage projects, the statement said.
CATL will also gain insights into the performance of its sodium batteries when used in European power grids, enabling it to improve products to meet European grid requirements, and accelerate scaling of its sodium-ion energy storage systems.
"This initiative establishes forward-looking cooperation on next-generation, low-cost energy storage solutions, and the opening of new business opportunities beyond traditional lithium-ion battery storage supply," the statement said.
The two companies have previously collaborated on lithium-ion energy storage projects after they entered into a long-term battery supply partnership in 2023.