We hear from industry sources about the significance of the CATL-HyperStrong sodium-ion BESS battery deal. Does it make a real turning point for the technology as an alternative to lithium-ion?

With CATL and HyperStrong’s 60GWh sodium-ion battery deal announcement yesterday, it’s an ideal time to look at the different sodium-ion cell chemistries and battery products available for BESS today.

Battery manufacturer CATL and system integrator HyperStrong have entered into a 60GWh sodium-ion battery order deal, which CATL said marks a ‘turning point in the industrialisation of sodium-ion batteries’.

Utility and power firm LEAG has partnered with Chinese system integrator HyperStrong for a 400MW/1,600MWh BESS in Saxony, Germany.

The three-year rolling partnership, whereby CATL will supply HyperStrong with cells and system products, could be updated annually.

In a BESS market where success hinges on rapid, high-performance, and cost-effective deployment, the role of the system integrator has never been more critical.

The market share of vertically integrated battery cell and BESS companies has fallen since 2023, market intelligence firm Rho Motion said.

Wood Mackenzie’s BESS supply rankings list shows ‘intensifying regional competition and shifting dynamics’ as Tesla remains number one.

We caught up with China’s largest system integrator HyperStrong’s President of Technology Dr. Guang Yang about how the company is positioning itself for international expansion.  

Recent product announcements from major BESS suppliers shows a divergence from the 20-foot container as the only viable form factor.