锂电行业周报：Natrion公司新签合同，固态电池研发进行时

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the lithium battery sector [2]. Core Insights - Natrion has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for two contracts worth over $1.5 million, focusing on advanced lithium metal solid-state batteries with a 50% higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries [6][2]. - The development of the global solid-state battery industry is expected to drive further upgrades in the lithium battery sector, positively impacting the lithium battery segment [6]. Summary by Sections 1. Core Insights - Natrion's contracts with the U.S. Air Force aim to enhance the performance of high-end electronic devices and directed weapons through advanced solid-state battery technology [6]. 2. Market Review - The performance of the Shenwan Electric Equipment index decreased by 2.60% during the week of August 19-23, 2024, while the Shenwan Lithium Battery index increased by 2.44% [7]. - Notable stock performances included Penghui Energy (+33.4%) and Ningde Times (+4.7%), while companies like Yiwei Lithium Energy (-12.0%) and Hunan Youneng (-6.8%) saw declines [7]. 3. Lithium Battery Industry Data Tracking 3.1 Downstream - In July 2024, China's new energy vehicle sales reached 991,000 units, a month-on-month decrease of 6% but a year-on-year increase of 27% [10]. 3.2 Midstream - China's lithium battery production in July 2024 was 94.8 GWh, showing a year-on-year increase of 7% but a month-on-month decrease of 2% [18]. 3.3 Upstream - China's lithium carbonate imports in July 2024 increased by 23% month-on-month, totaling 24,200 tons, with a year-on-year increase of 87% [26]. 3.4 Industry Chain Prices - As of August 23, 2024, battery-grade lithium carbonate prices ranged from 74,300 to 77,300 CNY per ton, while prices for square power cells (NCM) were between 0.41 and 0.49 CNY/Wh [28]. 4. Industry and Company Dynamics 4.1 Industry News - A new GW-level lithium iron phosphate battery factory has commenced operations in Norway, with an annual production capacity of 300 million battery units [34]. - A solid-state battery innovation industrial park is set to begin construction in Yibin, Sichuan, with a planned capacity of 40 GWh and an investment of nearly 10 billion CNY [34]. 4.2 Company Announcements - Companies like Zhongwei Co. and New Energy Co. have made announcements regarding project adjustments and share repurchases, reflecting ongoing strategic developments in the sector [36][37].