CATL emphasized quality control and system-level testing to support safety and performance across deployments
Europe’s storage market is growing, with around 21.9 GWh added in 2024, and utility-scale projects expected to drive near-term expansion
The TENER platform scales up to 9 MWh within a 20-foot footprint, addressing space and deployment constraints
The company targets carbon neutrality by 2030 and is expanding recycling to align with EU requirements
As battery energy storage systems take on a more central role in power systems, performance, safety, and long-term reliability are becoming key decision factors. In Europe, these are further shaped by regulatory standards, infrastructure constraints, and increasing system complexity.
Speaking at the TaiyangNews Inverters & Battery Storage Conference, Hank Zhao, CTO of CATL, outlined how these factors are influencing storage system design and deployment. A key focus was quality control at both cell and system levels. CATL applies over 7,000 quality-control points in cell manufacturing, compared to about 2,000 in the industry, targeting defect reduction from PPM to PPB levels. The company also reported deployment across more than 2,000 projects globally, with no incidents, linking this to its quality control and validation processes.
He also detailed the company’s system-level testing infrastructure across cells, modules, and full system configurations. The setup includes more than 273 safety, reliability, and performance tests, supported by a large-scale testing capacity. System integration testing is completed before deployment, combining battery systems with PCS, transformers, and EMS. This helps identify issues early, before systems reach the site. The company also operates a UL-certified in-house lab under the UL9540A WTDP program, enabling fire safety testing and certification validation within its own facilities.
CATL is also expanding into grid-level testing, with facilities planned up to 35 kV and 50 MW. These setups will enable testing under real grid conditions and support compliance requirements.
Europe’s storage market continues to expand, with around 21.9 GWh added in 2024 and projections nearing 30 GWh by 2029, largely driven by utility-scale projects. At the same time, project conditions vary across regions, shaped by infrastructure constraints and local requirements. This includes transport limitations in older infrastructure, as well as strict noise and safety requirements near residential areas.
To address these conditions, the company presented its latest product developments. The TENER system offers 6 MWh capacity in a containerized format. The platform is based on large-format cells (~565 Ah) and supports high energy density and long-term performance, including over 93% DC-side efficiency and extended lifecycle operation. Building on this, the TENER Stack increases capacity to up to 9 MWh within a 20-foot footprint. The stacking design enables higher energy density within the same footprint and reduces land use requirements (see CATL’s TENER Stack: 9 MWh Containerized Stacked BESS System).
CATL targets carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030 and has already certified more than 10 factories as zero-carbon. It is also investing in battery recycling to support material recovery and regulatory compliance in Europe.
Beyond stationary storage, the company is also working on vehicle-to-grid applications, collaborating with automotive manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and other European carmakers. The focus is on battery systems with higher cycle life to support bidirectional energy use. Pilot projects are already in operation, indicating early integration of mobility and grid storage.
Founded in 2011, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited), a Chinese battery manufacuting company, has grown into a major player across electric vehicle batteries and stationary energy storage, holding a global market share of around 37-38%.
The full presentation, titled CATL’s BESS Solution for European Market, provides additional details on the company’s approach.
