动力电池“退役” 银行业下场“淘金”

Core Insights - The recycling of used batteries is emerging as a significant business opportunity, particularly in the context of the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in China, which has seen explosive increases in production and sales since 2015 [1][2] - The volume of retired power batteries in China is projected to reach 820,000 tons by 2025 and exceed 4 million tons by 2028, indicating a substantial market for battery recycling [1] - Retired batteries still retain 70% to 80% of their capacity and can be repurposed for various applications, while valuable metals can be extracted for recycling [1] Industry Overview - As of August 18, there are approximately 188,300 battery recycling-related companies in China, with a significant concentration in the East China region, accounting for 31.71% [2] - The registration of battery recycling companies has been on the rise, with 27,700 new registrations in the current year, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.51% [2] - Experts view the battery recycling sector as an underexplored blue ocean market, with the potential for significant growth as the EV market matures [2] Financial Landscape - Financial institutions are beginning to recognize the potential of the battery recycling industry, although challenges remain in securing loans due to the lack of standardized policies and the presence of many small, unproven enterprises [3][4] - Guangzhou Bank has introduced a specialized product called "solid waste loan" to address financing challenges in the battery recycling sector, which includes a three-tier collateral system to mitigate risks [3][4] - Other banks, such as China Construction Bank, are also providing loans to support projects in the battery manufacturing and recycling space, indicating a growing interest in financing this sector [4] Market Trends - The trend towards green finance is becoming a competitive advantage for small and medium-sized banks as they face increased pressure from larger banks [5] - The focus on green finance aligns with the broader industry shift towards sustainable practices, which is expected to drive further innovation and investment in the battery recycling market [5]