CATL(SZ:300750) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-12 12:29Core Insights - The energy storage market is transitioning from policy-driven to economically-driven high-quality development, with 2026 marking a pivotal year for China's new energy storage industry [20][21][22] - Six trends are shaping the landscape of large-scale energy storage (大储) development by 2026, focusing on market, technology, and application scenarios [19][22] Group 1: Independent Energy Storage - The independent energy storage sector is solidifying its leading position due to the cancellation of mandatory storage requirements and the acceleration of the electricity spot market [25] - In 2025, over 126 GWh of new independent energy storage capacity is expected to be connected to the grid, accounting for over 70% of the market [25] - Various provinces are implementing capacity compensation mechanisms, enhancing the economic viability of independent energy storage [25] Group 2: Networked Energy Storage - Networked energy storage is expected to achieve breakthroughs in three areas: power side, grid side, and user side, with a target penetration rate of over 30% by 2026 [27] - The market for networked energy storage is projected to experience explosive growth, with 2.9 GW/9 GWh of new installations in the first three quarters of 2025, surpassing the total for 2024 [26] - Companies like Sungrow, Huawei, and NARI are gaining traction in the global market, particularly as the EU mandates networked capabilities for large-scale storage starting in 2026 [28] Group 3: High-Voltage Cascade Technology - High-voltage cascade technology is becoming a core direction for large-scale energy storage systems due to its advantages in power capacity and ease of control [29] - This technology is expected to penetrate further into the market, with major players accelerating their deployment and focusing on capacity adaptation and integration efficiency [30] - By 2026, high-voltage cascade technology will enter a phase of large-scale application, supported by leading companies validating its reliability and economic viability [31] Group 4: System Integration and Temperature Control - System integration technology is evolving towards modular and integrated designs, with modularization becoming a mainstream approach for energy storage systems [33] - The market will see more integrated energy storage products that simplify installation and reduce compatibility challenges [33] - Temperature control technology is shifting towards intelligent liquid cooling solutions, enhancing safety and lifespan of energy storage systems [35][36] Group 5: Diverse Energy Storage Technologies - Sodium-ion batteries are anticipated to enter a phase of large-scale commercialization, targeting mid-to-low-end applications [36] - Flow batteries and compressed air storage are also expected to make significant advancements, particularly in long-duration storage scenarios [36][37] - The demand for long-duration storage solutions is rapidly increasing, driven by the growth of renewable energy installations [37][38]