储能安全领域首个强制性国标加速行业洗牌

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of China's first mandatory national standard for energy storage lithium batteries, GB44240-2024, aims to enhance safety requirements and industry standards, addressing the urgent need for safety regulations in the energy storage sector [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Standards and Safety - GB44240-2024 establishes strict safety requirements for both individual batteries and battery pack systems, introducing new testing items such as vibration, impact, puncture, and forced discharge to assess battery safety under extreme conditions [1]. - The standard includes a puncture test that requires the battery to withstand a Φ5mm high-temperature steel needle penetrating 10mm or 30% of the battery thickness without catching fire or exploding within one hour [1]. - The introduction of this standard is expected to break the cycle of "low quality and low price," pushing companies to compete through technological innovation and safety performance improvements [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - The implementation of GB44240-2024 is anticipated to raise industry entry barriers, promote standardization, and drive technological upgrades and innovation [2]. - In a recent bidding process for energy storage by China Energy Construction, 70 companies participated for a total of 25GWh of orders, with the lowest bid for lithium iron phosphate systems at 0.37 yuan/Wh, indicating a high level of competition in the market [2]. - Despite the increased safety standards, many energy storage products are being sold below cost, which poses risks to the industry and highlights the need for a more structured market environment [3]. Group 3: Challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises - The rising safety requirements may lead to the exit of weaker energy storage manufacturers that lack the technical capabilities and financial resources to conduct necessary safety tests [3]. - There is a concern that while the new standards raise entry barriers, small and medium enterprises may struggle with the required technological upgrades, potentially intensifying competitive pressures in the short term [3]. - The industry may require additional supportive policies, such as cost compensation mechanisms, to alleviate the competitive strain and promote a healthier market environment [3].