SINOLINK SECURITIES·2025-12-23 13:18Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive investment outlook for the energy storage industry, highlighting a new growth cycle driven by multiple factors [2]. Core Insights - The global energy storage industry is expected to see significant growth, with new installations projected to reach 438 GWh by 2026, representing a 62% year-on-year increase. This growth is driven by the transition from a single focus on renewable energy consumption to a triad of drivers: AI computing infrastructure, energy transition needs, and grid congestion [2]. - In China, new installations are expected to reach 250 GWh in 2026, a 67% increase year-on-year, as policies shift from "strong allocation" to "profitability" [2]. - The U.S. is projected to see 70 GWh of new installations in 2026, a 35% increase year-on-year, with AI driving rigid growth [2]. - Europe is expected to install 51 GWh in 2026, a 55% increase year-on-year, with long-term contracts locking in demand [2]. - Emerging markets are anticipated to see a 91% year-on-year increase in installations, reaching 67 GWh by 2026, driven by economic benefits from "diesel replacement" [3]. Summary by Sections Macro Section: Restructuring Demand and Barriers - The mismatch between the rapid expansion of AI computing and the slow growth of power grids is creating significant bottlenecks in the U.S. and Europe, with average waiting times for grid connections extending to 3-10 years [13]. - Energy storage is becoming a strategic infrastructure to bypass grid bottlenecks, allowing data centers to meet load reduction requirements and avoid lengthy approval processes for grid expansion [13][17]. Demand Section: New Growth Cycle Driven by AI and Energy Transition - The report emphasizes that the energy storage market is transitioning from a focus on backup power to active supply, with storage systems now capable of peak shaving and grid support [17]. - The demand for energy storage is expected to surge due to the increasing need for AI data centers and the ongoing energy transition [2][3]. Supply Section: Navigating Through Oversupply Cycles - The lithium battery supply chain is expected to recover from a period of oversupply, with a significant rebound anticipated in 2026 as demand driven by AI and energy storage continues to grow [4]. - The report highlights the importance of focusing on midstream materials that are experiencing supply-demand reversals, recommending investments in critical segments such as lithium hexafluorophosphate and carbonates [4]. New Technology: Advancements in Solid-State Batteries - The report forecasts that solid-state batteries will begin small-scale production in 2026, with significant advancements in materials and manufacturing processes expected [4]. - The commercialization of solid-liquid batteries is anticipated to occur in 2026, with applications across various sectors including robotics and consumer electronics [4]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests investing in critical supply chain segments that are expected to see price increases, as well as companies with localized manufacturing capabilities that can navigate trade barriers effectively [4]. - Companies providing integrated energy solutions for data centers and those involved in solid-state battery technology are highlighted as key investment opportunities [4].