Ping An Securities·2025-12-12 06:29Overview - The report highlights that the energy storage lithium battery industry is entering a new profit cycle, driven by strong demand and improved supply dynamics [1][17]. Energy Storage - The energy storage sector is experiencing a global high prosperity, with significant policy and market support leading to rapid development [5][19]. - As of September 2025, China's wind and solar power accounted for 46% of installed power capacity, while new energy storage only represented 3% and 6% of total installed capacity and new energy capacity, respectively, indicating substantial growth potential [5][28]. - The exit of mandatory storage policies has allowed independent storage to emerge as a profitable asset, with improved pricing mechanisms and market conditions [5][36]. - Domestic energy storage projects have seen a significant increase, with new installations reaching 43.7 GW in 2024, a year-on-year growth of 103% [20][24]. Lithium Batteries - The lithium battery sector is benefiting from the growth in energy storage demand, with the industry moving out of a price decline cycle and entering a phase of volume and profit recovery [15][17]. - The demand for energy storage batteries is rising, and the sales of power batteries remain robust, contributing to a healthy growth outlook [15][17]. - The supply side is improving, with many companies still operating at a loss or minimal profit, leading to a strong desire to increase prices amid high demand [5][15]. Solid-State Batteries - Solid-state batteries are seen as a key technology to overcome the performance limitations of lithium batteries, with ongoing industrialization efforts supported by policy and market participants [5][17]. - The demand for solid-state batteries is expected to grow in applications requiring high energy density and safety, such as low-altitude flying vehicles and humanoid robots [5][17]. - Key materials and equipment for solid-state battery production are making progress, with significant technological barriers that favor advanced participants in the industry [5][17]. Investment Recommendations - The report maintains a "stronger than market" rating for the energy storage and lithium battery sectors, recommending investments in leading companies such as Sungrow Power Supply, Haimo Technologies, and CATL [8][12]. - The solid-state battery sector is also highlighted for its growth potential, with recommendations to focus on companies involved in key materials and equipment [8][12].