Core Viewpoint - Powin, a US battery energy storage system integrator, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with assets and liabilities between $100 million and $500 million, aiming to restructure its finances while continuing operations [1][5]. Group 1: Bankruptcy Filing and Creditors - Powin's bankruptcy filing was made on June 9 and 10, 2023, in New Jersey, as a strategic move to address financial liabilities and protect core business operations [1]. - Major unsecured creditors include Chinese companies such as CATL (debt of $44 million) and Qingdao CIMC (debt of $49 million), indicating significant reliance on the Chinese supply chain [2]. - Other notable unsecured creditors include Fujian Times Star Cloud Technology ($4.25 million), Qingdao CIMC Container Manufacturing ($3.27 million), and several others, highlighting the extensive network of creditors involved [2]. Group 2: Business Restructuring - Concurrently with the bankruptcy filing, Powin announced the separation of its monitoring and energy services business, forming a new entity called Powin Project LLC, led by Brian Kane as CEO [4]. - Powin has transitioned from battery storage project development to system integration, with over 11 GWh of projects operational globally and an additional 6 GWh under construction [4]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - Powin's financial difficulties reflect broader challenges in the energy storage industry, including potential layoffs and a warning of possible business cessation if conditions do not improve [5]. - The company cited policy uncertainties, such as import tariffs and potential changes to tax credits, as significant factors impacting project economics and operational viability [7]. - The case of Powin illustrates the deep-seated contradictions within the US energy storage sector, where policy uncertainty and supply chain localization pressures disproportionately affect integrators heavily tied to Chinese suppliers [8].
美国储能巨头Powin申请破产,多家中国企业成“债主”