Core Insights - The article emphasizes that the real demand surge for lithium carbonate is coming from the energy storage sector, rather than electric vehicles, marking a significant shift in market dynamics [1][71]. - By 2026, energy storage is projected to surpass electric vehicles as the largest source of lithium carbonate demand, with an annual demand ceiling potentially reaching 1,000 GWh [1][42]. Energy Storage Demand - Energy storage accounted for 40.3% of battery cell production in October 2025, indicating a rapid growth trajectory [3][6]. - The share of energy storage battery cells has increased from 23.8% in June 2025 to 40.3% by October 2025, showcasing a strong and stable growth trend [3][6]. - The total shipment of energy storage cells is expected to reach 1,200 GWh in 2026, officially surpassing that of power batteries [6][42]. Price Dynamics - The prices of photovoltaic components and energy storage systems have experienced dramatic declines, with photovoltaic module prices dropping by 70.5% from their peak [9][10]. - Energy storage systems saw a price drop of 75.13%, significantly enhancing their economic viability [9][10]. - The price collapse has led to a surge in photovoltaic installations, with China adding 725.88 GW of capacity in just two and a half years, which is 1.85 times the total installed capacity as of the end of 2022 [10][11]. Market Structure Changes - The article discusses the transition from a "first parity" era to a "second parity" era, where energy storage and renewable energy sources become economically competitive with traditional energy sources [12][14]. - The integration of energy storage is essential for stabilizing the grid as renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent [11][12]. Supply and Demand Gap - A significant supply-demand gap for lithium carbonate is anticipated to emerge between 2025 and 2026 due to the explosive growth in energy storage demand and a slowdown in supply growth [2][37]. - The demand for lithium carbonate is expected to reach 205,000 tons LCE in 2026, a 35% increase from 2025, while supply growth is projected to be only around 10% [45][66]. Future Projections - By 2045, the global energy storage demand could reach between 160,000 GWh and 240,000 GWh, indicating a massive potential market for energy storage solutions [34][33]. - The article posits that the energy storage sector is just beginning its growth phase, with significant opportunities ahead as the energy landscape evolves [35][26].