Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the first mandatory national standard for energy storage in China, GB 44240-2024, marks a significant shift towards prioritizing safety in the energy storage industry, moving away from low-cost competition to a focus on quality and safety [2][10]. Group 1: Mandatory National Standard - GB 44240-2024, effective from August 1, 2024, is the first mandatory national standard for lithium-ion batteries used in energy storage systems, replacing the previous voluntary standard [2][4]. - This standard includes 23 rigorous safety tests, covering aspects such as vibration, impact, puncture, and forced discharge, ensuring higher safety requirements for energy storage batteries [2][4][6]. - The standard applies to various applications, including telecommunications, emergency lighting, and large-capacity energy storage systems [2]. Group 2: Shift from Low-Price Competition to Safety - The energy storage industry has been suffering from low-price competition, with average bidding prices for lithium battery storage systems dropping significantly, by 24% and 29.94% year-on-year for different categories [11]. - The introduction of GB 44240 is expected to act as a "ticket" for participation in domestic energy storage project tenders, leading to the elimination of non-compliant companies and accelerating industry consolidation [11][12]. - The focus on safety will compel companies to innovate and enhance product safety designs, potentially establishing GB 44240 as a reference for international standards, thereby increasing China's influence in the global energy storage market [12][13]. Group 3: Industry Transformation and Future Outlook - The year 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for the Chinese energy storage industry, with various government initiatives aimed at addressing issues like patent infringement and market monopolies [12][13]. - The combination of the new mandatory standard and government policies is expected to shift the industry from price wars to a focus on technological competition, enhancing the overall quality of the energy storage sector [13]. - This transformation is likely to strengthen the global competitiveness of China's energy storage industry, reinforcing its position as a leader in the energy revolution [13].