Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-24 02:48Core Insights - The global energy storage industry is entering a new growth cycle, with an expected addition of 438 GWh of new installations by 2026, representing a year-on-year growth of 62% [1] - The growth drivers have shifted from solely renewable energy consumption to a combination of "AI computing infrastructure + energy transition demand + grid congestion" [1] - The supply-demand relationship in the industry is significantly improving, transitioning from a destocking phase to a replenishment boom, leading to simultaneous increases in both volume and price in certain segments of the supply chain [1] Regional Insights - China is projected to install 250 GWh by 2026, a year-on-year increase of 67%, with policies shifting from "strong allocation" to "profitability" [2] - The United States is expected to add 70 GWh of installations by 2026, a 35% increase year-on-year, driven by AI [2] - Europe is forecasted to install 51 GWh by 2026, a 55% increase year-on-year, with long-term contracts locking in gigawatt-level demand [2] - Emerging markets are anticipated to add 67 GWh by 2026, a 91% increase year-on-year, with significant growth in Australia, the Middle East, and Chile [2] Technological Developments - AI computing is becoming synonymous with electricity, with energy storage evolving from merely backup power to active supply, addressing voltage fluctuations and serving as a strategic infrastructure for AI data centers [3] - The mismatch between rapid renewable energy generation and slow grid development is intensifying, making energy storage a critical solution for congestion [4] - Solid-state batteries are expected to enter small-scale production by 2026, marking a significant step towards commercialization across various applications [7] Supply Chain and Market Dynamics - The lithium battery supply is expected to recover by 2026 after a two-year destocking phase, driven by sustained high demand from AI and energy storage, while supply expansion slows due to reduced capital expenditure [6] - Trade barriers are increasing, with the U.S. and EU implementing stricter regulations, favoring companies with localized production capabilities [5] Investment Recommendations - Focus on midstream materials that are expected to benefit from supply-demand reversals, particularly lithium fluoride, lithium carbonate, separators, and electrolyte additives [8] - Invest in leading companies with localized manufacturing capabilities and strong ESG frameworks, such as CATL and Sungrow, to capitalize on high-profit markets while mitigating tariff risks [8][9] - Target companies that can integrate into the overseas data center supply chain, providing solar-storage solutions and microgrid systems [9]