3 6 Ke·2026-02-04 11:18Core Insights - In 2025, central enterprises registered an average of over one new energy storage company daily, totaling 392 companies with a registered capital exceeding 50 billion [1] - The collective action of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) reflects a strategic move not just to meet carbon neutrality goals but to assert control over the future energy system [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Moves by Central Enterprises - The establishment of a joint venture between China National Petroleum Corporation and CATL to produce energy storage systems signifies a deeper logic: the competition is for discourse power in the energy transition era, not merely market share [2] - Traditional energy companies face an identity crisis as power generation shifts from traditional plants to distributed energy sources, making control over energy storage crucial for maintaining operational authority [2] - The formation of 54 subsidiaries by the State Grid in the energy storage sector is a strategic move to reinforce its core position amid the trend of grid intelligence [2][3] Group 2: Investment Strategies and Market Dynamics - Two contrasting capital strategies are evident among central enterprises: significant investments in core strategic areas and smaller, exploratory investments in emerging markets [3] - Major investments, such as the 1 billion yuan registered capital of China Yajiang Group's new energy company, signal a shift of energy storage from a trial business to a core strategic focus [3] - Conversely, smaller subsidiaries with registered capital as low as 100,000 yuan are being established to test the waters in regions like Xinjiang and Gansu, reflecting a cautious approach to market entry [3] Group 3: Challenges and Market Structure - Despite the rapid expansion of energy storage projects led by central enterprises, there are underlying profitability challenges, as many projects rely on bundled development rather than independent market operations [5][6] - The geographical concentration of these projects, particularly in Hebei, Xinjiang, and Shandong, indicates a strategic alignment with local resource endowments and policy support [5] - The current focus on electrochemical storage technologies raises concerns about the lack of diversification in technological pathways, which could hinder the long-term health of the energy storage industry [6] Group 4: Future Implications - The competitive landscape is shifting, with central enterprises reshaping the power structure of the energy storage industry, compelling private companies to reconsider their roles [6] - The success or failure of the 392 newly registered companies will significantly influence the future power dynamics of China's energy system [6] - The transition from traditional energy systems to new power systems is critical, and the ongoing competition in energy storage represents a pivotal battle in this transformation [6]