Zheng Quan Ri Bao·2026-01-12 17:13Core Insights - The global energy transition is entering a critical phase, with energy storage becoming a core infrastructure to balance the volatility of renewable energy and ensure energy system security [1] - The storage industry is experiencing a fundamental transformation driven by AI computing power and energy structure changes, marking a key turning point for value growth [1] - By 2025, China's energy storage industry is expected to initiate a high-quality transformation cycle, with structural growth opportunities emerging in 2026 [1] Group 1: Technological Foundations - Technological innovation is the core engine for high-quality development in the energy storage industry, with three main characteristics emerging in battery cell technology by the second half of 2025: large cells over 500Ah becoming mainstream, stacking technology accelerating to replace winding technology, and breakthroughs in long-duration storage technology [2] - The industry consensus indicates that by 2026, the development characteristics will include large cells, liquid cooling, long-duration capabilities, and multiple technological routes coexisting [2] - Major companies are leading the technological iteration wave, establishing a solid technical foundation for industry value enhancement [2] Group 2: Demand Drivers - The global energy storage market demand is expected to maintain strong growth, with projections of 150GWh and 203GWh of new installations in China for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and approximately 290GWh globally in 2025 [4] - AI computing infrastructure is becoming a new growth engine, with significant electricity demand from AI data centers, which also increases the need for renewable energy and storage solutions [5] - The share of long-duration storage systems (≥4 hours) is expected to rise significantly by 2026, driven by increasing demand for cross-day and cross-season adjustments in renewable energy [5] Group 3: Value Enhancement - The energy storage industry is transitioning from "scale expansion" to "value growth," with optimized business models and improved supply-demand dynamics driving continuous value elevation [6] - The mainstream business model of "spot arbitrage + capacity compensation + ancillary services" is becoming replicable in regions like Guangdong and Shandong, enhancing investment return capabilities [6] - By 2026, the market is anticipated to enter a new phase of "volume and price increase + quality supremacy," with a focus on smart solutions for various application scenarios and a more diverse business model [6] Group 4: Global Market Opportunities - The global energy storage market is entering an explosive growth phase, with predictions of lithium battery shipments for data centers exceeding 69GWh by 2027 and reaching 300GWh by 2030 [7] - Companies like CATL, Haicheng Energy, and others are accelerating their internationalization strategies, with overseas markets becoming a core growth engine [7] - The focus on localization in overseas markets is expected to enhance customer responsiveness and loyalty, transitioning from "Made in China" to "localized global operations" [7]