GUOTAI HAITONG SECURITIES·2025-12-04 00:42Investment Rating - The report recommends an "Accumulate" rating for leading energy storage companies, specifically Haibo Sichuang and Sunshine Power, along with related companies such as Canadian Solar and Xidian New Energy [5]. Core Insights - The development of AIDC (Artificial Intelligence Data Center) may exacerbate electricity shortages in the U.S., with data center energy storage serving as a short-term solution for peak shaving and frequency regulation, while potentially becoming a self-sufficient power source in the long term [2][3]. - Fluence is currently negotiating over 30 GWh of AIDC energy storage projects, with 80% of these projects initiated after the end of Q4 2025, indicating a significant emerging market opportunity [3][4]. - The energy consumption of data centers in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting an increase from 176 TWh in 2023 to between 325-580 TWh by 2028, which will raise their share of total U.S. electricity consumption from 4.4% to between 6.7% and 12% [3][4]. Summary by Sections AIDC Development and Energy Demand - AIDC's high energy consumption could lead to increased electricity shortages in the U.S. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), data center electricity demand is expected to grow annually by 13%-27% from 2023 to 2028 [4]. - If 50 GW of new data center capacity is added by 2030, the projected electricity gap could reach 23 GW, potentially larger when considering the retirement of existing power plants [4]. Energy Storage Solutions - Short-term energy storage solutions are beneficial for data centers to manage power fluctuations and facilitate grid connection, with the current grid connection process taking several years [4]. - Long-term, solar and storage solutions may evolve into self-sufficient power sources for data centers, with the economic viability of solar storage already being demonstrated [4]. Company Recommendations - The report highlights the potential of long-duration energy storage (6-8 hours) as an emerging opportunity, particularly in markets with high renewable energy penetration like Europe and California [3][4]. - The report emphasizes the advantages of solar storage over gas turbines, particularly in terms of connection timelines and economic feasibility [4].