Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Xinjiang Zhonghe (600888.SH) is focused on strengthening its aluminum electronic materials industry chain and is not planning to engage in aluminum-air battery business [1] Group 2 - The company aims to enhance its operations by extending, supplementing, and expanding its upstream supply chain [1]

Core Insights - The metal-air battery technology has made significant breakthroughs in recent years, particularly in electrode materials, electrolytes, and battery structures, enhancing performance and stability, which drives applications in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and backup power sources [1][6] - The market size of China's metal-air battery industry is projected to reach approximately 28.63 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.87% [6] Industry Overview - Metal-air batteries utilize metals (such as zinc, aluminum, magnesium, and lithium) as anodes and oxygen from the air as cathode active materials, offering high theoretical energy densities (zinc-air batteries up to 1360 Wh/kg, aluminum-air batteries over 1000 Wh/kg), low cost, and environmental benefits [2][4] - The industry faces challenges such as self-discharge, limited cycle life, and electrolyte management [2] Market Size - The advancements in metal-air battery technology have led to increased market demand and growth, with the market size expected to reach approximately 28.63 billion yuan in 2024, a 2.87% increase from the previous year [6] Key Companies - Major players in the metal-air battery industry include Xiongtao Co., Ltd. and Penghui Energy, focusing on cost optimization and application expansion for zinc-air batteries, while CATL is exploring future applications of aluminum-air batteries through cross-industry collaborations [7] - Xiongtao Co., Ltd. has achieved a zinc-air battery energy density of 1360 Wh/kg, with applications in hearing aids, electric bicycles, and 5G base station energy storage, reporting a revenue of 1.606 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a 1.44% increase year-on-year [7][8] - Penghui Energy reported a revenue of 4.301 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a 13.99% increase year-on-year, despite a net profit decline [9] Industry Development Trends 1. Continuous technological innovation is expected to drive breakthroughs in energy density and battery life, focusing on optimizing battery structure, developing efficient catalysts, and improving the stability of metal anodes and electrolytes [10] 2. The application scenarios for metal-air batteries are diversifying, with zinc/aluminum air batteries becoming key players in energy storage for 5G base stations and data centers, while aluminum-air batteries are highlighted for their energy density advantages in logistics and drones [10] 3. Policies are expected to support the metal-air battery industry, promoting a complete supply chain from raw material supply to battery recycling, with leading companies collaborating on technology advancements and resource utilization [11]

Core Insights - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology emphasizes the importance of technological innovation in the development of new battery technologies, particularly solid-state and metal-air batteries [1][2]. Industry Overview - Metal-air batteries utilize common metals like zinc, magnesium, and aluminum in conjunction with oxygen or seawater, representing a hybrid energy storage and fuel technology [3]. - The global market for metal-air batteries is projected to grow from $296 million in 2023 to $852 million by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% [5]. Technological Advantages - Metal-air batteries offer significant advantages over lithium-ion batteries, including energy density that can exceed 3 to 4 times that of lithium-ion batteries, efficient charging, and longer range [4]. - They are considered environmentally friendly, aligning with carbon neutrality goals, as they do not release harmful substances during manufacturing, usage, or recycling [4]. Market Dynamics - The zinc-air battery segment currently holds the largest market share, being the most commercially mature, while aluminum-air batteries follow [8]. - Several domestic companies are actively engaging in the metal-air battery sector, with notable stock performance; for instance, Shanghai Xiba has seen a year-to-date increase of nearly 241% [10][11]. Academic Contributions - Multiple universities in China have achieved breakthroughs in metal-air battery technology, enhancing the development of high-performance catalysts and battery designs [9]. Company Developments - Companies such as Penghui Energy, Yun Aluminum, and China Aluminum are involved in the metal-air battery supply chain, with significant stock price increases observed in 2023 [10][12]. - Notable stock performance includes Yun Aluminum with a year-to-date increase of over 70% and Penghui Energy with an increase of nearly 15% in financing [11][12].