“豪赌”储能，1400亿光伏巨头，全面突围

Core Viewpoint - The photovoltaic industry has entered a new phase as the storage sector experiences rapid growth, prompting leading companies like Longi Green Energy to diversify into energy storage [1][2]. Group 1: Longi Green Energy's Strategic Shift - Longi Green Energy plans to acquire Suzhou Jingkong Energy Technology Co., Ltd., marking its entry into the electrochemical energy storage sector [1]. - Previously, Longi Green Energy focused on hydrogen energy, establishing a subsidiary for hydrogen production in March 2021, but has now shifted its strategy due to the lack of significant progress in hydrogen business [6][9]. - The company's stock has rebounded significantly, with a nearly 20% increase year-to-date and over 60% since late June [2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Demand - Global demand for energy storage is expected to surge, with a projected 30% increase in battery shipments by 2026, reaching approximately 770 GWh [2]. - Morgan Stanley has revised its lithium market outlook from surplus to shortage, raising its 2026 lithium price forecast from 70,000 RMB/ton to 90,000 RMB/ton, with current prices exceeding 100,000 RMB/ton [2]. - The energy storage market is anticipated to grow significantly, particularly in China, which is expected to have 1,473 operational energy storage stations by the end of 2024, with a total installed capacity of 62.13 GW/141.37 GWh [11]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The energy storage sector is highly competitive, with established players like CATL, BYD, and Sungrow leading the market [12]. - Longi Green Energy's acquisition of Jingkong Energy is seen as a strategic move to quickly enter the energy storage market amid increasing competition and price wars [13]. - Jingkong Energy, founded in 2015, has a production capacity of 31 GWh and ranks third in global energy storage system shipments [13].