TRINA(SH:688599) 经济观察报·2025-12-20 04:50Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of time-of-use electricity pricing policies is pushing the energy storage industry to return to its role as a "flexible adjustment resource," transitioning from a passive arbitrage model to an active operation model that relies on technology and management capabilities to create diversified value [1][8]. Group 1: Electricity Market Development - The cancellation of time-of-use pricing is a significant step in the construction of the electricity spot market, shifting the price formation mechanism from government-led to market-led [3]. - As of December 2023, 28 provinces have initiated continuous spot trading, with 7 having transitioned to formal operations [2]. - The new policy primarily affects industrial and commercial users, while residential electricity pricing remains unchanged [2]. Group 2: Impact on Energy Storage - The adjustment of time-of-use pricing will primarily impact commercial energy storage stations, which have relied on peak-valley price differences for profitability [8]. - Energy storage companies are now required to enhance their electricity trading capabilities or collaborate with companies that possess strong trading abilities to adapt to the new market conditions [10]. - The cancellation of time-of-use pricing may lead to a decrease in predictable revenue for energy storage stations, necessitating a shift towards high-frequency charging and discharging strategies to improve profitability [9]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments in the Industry - Many energy storage companies are shifting their focus from heavy asset project construction to operational service models, including providing electricity trading-related soft service products [10]. - The future role of user-side energy storage is expected to expand, with companies planning to leverage user-side storage as a core component in comprehensive energy projects and virtual power plants by 2026 [10]. - Companies like Trina Storage emphasize the importance of product safety and reliability, aiming to ensure higher cycle efficiency and faster response times to maintain profitability in a volatile revenue environment [10]. Group 4: Regional Policy Variations - Different provinces are progressing at varying speeds regarding the cancellation of time-of-use pricing, with Shaanxi being the first to implement this change [12]. - In contrast, Sichuan has opted to delay the cancellation due to its unique hydropower resources and the need for market participants to familiarize themselves with the new trading environment [12][13]. - The cancellation of time-of-use pricing may reduce profit margins for electricity sales companies, leading to a potential market exit for those with weaker trading capabilities [15].