Octopus Energy and Xiamen Ampace Technology Limited (Ampace) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration on next-generation smart home energy storage that pairs battery hardware directly with software. The agreement was announced in London and Xiamen on 3 November 2026. It also draws on battery manufacturer CATL, whose research will form part of the work.
What the home energy storage MoU covers
According to the companies, the collaboration will draw on CATL and Ampace’s research into next-generation battery chemistries. These include sodium-ion technology, high-density cell designs and ultra-long lifecycle systems. The companies said the aim is to build safer, greener and more affordable home batteries.
Octopus Energy will bring its software platform, smart tariffs and virtual power plant flexibility capabilities. The companies said the resulting systems would charge automatically when energy is cleanest and cheapest. They would also share power back to the grid during peak times to reduce household bills.
The MoU is an agreement to explore collaboration. The announcement does not give financial terms, product launch dates or technical specifications for any batteries.
European markets as the initial focus
The partners will initially explore opportunities across European markets where Octopus has retail energy offices. The companies describe home batteries as moving from simple wall-mounted hardware to connected energy assets. These assets are managed by software that responds to prices and grid conditions.
Raymond Ye, President of Residential Energy Storage Systems at Ampace, said: “Europe’s energy transition is creating growing demand for smarter and more flexible home energy solutions. By bringing together CATL’s leadership in battery innovation, Ampace’s expertise in energy storage technology and manufacturing, and Octopus Energy’s strengths in digital energy management and services, we see great potential to accelerate innovation and deliver greater value to the market.”
He added: “Together, we aim to make home energy smarter, more efficient and more accessible, while continuing to empower our customers and partners.”
What the companies said
Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy Group, said: “Combining CATL and Ampace’s world-leading battery chemistry with Octopus’s smart tech and customer platform will transform home energy storage. Together, we’re building next-generation batteries where hardware and software work in complete harmony to slash energy bills and speed up the green energy transition.”
Jason Zhu, President of Energy Storage Systems at Ampace, said: “The future of energy is not just about generating or storing more power, but about making energy smarter, more connected, and more accessible. We believe the convergence of advanced battery technologies, intelligent energy management, and innovative energy services will fundamentally reshape how energy is delivered and consumed.”
He continued: “Through this strategic collaboration with CATL and Octopus Energy, we aim to accelerate this transformation, unlock new possibilities for the global energy ecosystem, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”
Building on the Swaptopus partnership
The MoU builds on an existing relationship between CATL and Octopus. The two companies previously collaborated to roll out ‘Swaptopus’ battery swapping stations across Europe.
Octopus’s current low-carbon technology range includes the Octopus Cosy heat pump range, the Octopus Charge EV charger range and the Octopus Nook home battery range. The company said that combining Ampace’s battery chemistry with its software would help make existing residential home batteries cheaper and better.
Octopus Energy says it supplies 11 million households globally under its own retail brand and has operations in 27 countries. It also says it operates a £7 billion renewables portfolio, as well as EV leasing, heat pump and solar businesses. The company said it is working to electrify heat and transport through smart tariffs and clean technology.
Frequently asked questions
What have Octopus Energy and Ampace agreed?
Octopus Energy and Xiamen Ampace Technology Limited (Ampace) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration on next-generation smart home energy storage that pairs battery hardware with software.
What role does CATL play in the collaboration?
The collaboration will draw on CATL and Ampace’s research into next-generation battery chemistries, including sodium-ion technology, high-density cell designs and ultra-long lifecycle systems.
How will the home batteries work with Octopus Energy’s software?
According to the companies, the systems will charge automatically when energy is cleanest and cheapest and share power back to the grid during peak times to reduce household bills. Octopus contributes its software platform, smart tariffs and virtual power plant flexibility capabilities.
Where will the partnership operate first?
The collaboration will initially explore opportunities across European markets where Octopus has retail energy offices.
Have CATL and Octopus Energy worked together before?
Yes. CATL and Octopus previously collaborated to roll out ‘Swaptopus’ battery swapping stations across Europe.
