高工锂电·2026-01-07 10:11Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that 2026 is expected to mark the beginning of a new healthy and orderly development cycle for China's lithium battery new energy industry [3][19]. Investment Overview - In 2025, over 282 public investment projects related to the lithium battery industry chain in China are anticipated, with a total investment exceeding 820 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of over 74% [4]. - The investment projects are primarily concentrated in East and Central China, with regions like Fujian, Shandong, and Jiangsu leading in lithium battery and material manufacturing due to their rich chemical resources and strategic enterprise layouts [6]. Regional Distribution - The Southwest region, particularly Sichuan, is expected to dominate the investment in lithium battery positive materials, accounting for 59% of the projects, with a significant production capacity of over 350 GWh [11]. - Negative materials investment is more evenly distributed, with North and Northwest China favored due to lower electricity costs [11]. - The electrolyte projects are mainly concentrated in East China, benefiting from a robust industrial chain and proximity to downstream markets [11]. Overseas Expansion - Chinese lithium battery companies are increasingly focusing on overseas markets, with significant investments in Thailand, Spain, and Portugal, driven by favorable geopolitical conditions and local demand [7]. - Notable projects include the establishment of a zero-carbon AI super factory in Portugal and a joint venture factory in Spain by CATL and Stellantis [7]. Solid-State and Sodium Battery Development - In 2025, solid-state battery projects are expected to be concentrated in East China, with planned capacities of 74 GWh and total investments of 28 billion yuan [15]. - The sodium battery sector is projected to see significant growth, with planned capacities of 81 GWh and total investments of 32.2 billion yuan, primarily in the Southwest region [15]. Market Outlook - The lithium new energy industry is emerging from a challenging period characterized by supply-demand imbalances and declining prices, with positive signals indicating a recovery starting in 2025 [18]. - The demand for solid-state batteries and sodium batteries is expected to accelerate, with the latter projected to achieve a 100% increase in shipments by 2026 [19].