Major Policy Breakthrough! China Officially Includes New-Type Energy Storage Into Capacity Pricing Mechanism for the First Time! Notice on Improving Generation-Side Capacity Pricing Mechanism Released

On January 30, 2026, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and National Energy Administration (NEA) jointly issued Notice on Improving Generation-side Capacity Pricing Mechanism.

Establishment of a capacity pricing mechanism for grid-side independent new-type energy storage. In terms of grid-side independent new-type energy storage power station serving safe electricity system operation and not engaging in energy distribution, local government can grant capacity prices. On the basis of local coal-fired capacity price benchmarks, the capacity prices shall be converted according to peak-shaving capability ( conversion rate is the ratio of full-power continuous discharge duration to the longest annual net-load peak duration, capped at 1) and considers factors like electricity market development and power system demand. Such projects shall be managed under a project list system, with specific requirements determined by NEA. Provincial energy and pricing authorities shall jointly formulate the project lists.

To the Development and Reform Commissions of all provinces, autonomous regions, Municipality directly under the Central Government and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, National Energy Storage Commission, Tianjin Industrial and Information Technology Bureau, Department of Industry and Information Technology of Liaoning Province, Chongqing Economic and Information Commission, Industry and Information Department of Gansu Province, Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Management, National Energy Administration Regional Offices, State Grid Corporation of China, China Southern Power Grid Company Limited, Inner Mongolia Power(Group) Corporation Limited, China National Nuclear Corporation, China Huaneng Group.,Ltd, China Datang Corporation Ltd., China Huadian Corporation, State Power Investment Corporation, China Three Gorges Corporation, China Energy Investment Corporation Co., Ltd., State Development & Investment Corp., Ltd.‌,  China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd., China General Nuclear Power Group:

To implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and State Council on advancing pricing reform in the energy sector, accelerate to build new-type energy system, guide the stable and orderly construction of adjustable power supply, ensure safe and stable operation of power system and facilitate green economic and social development, the following matters concerning the improvement of the generation-side capacity pricing mechanism are hereby notified.

I. Overall Approach

In line with the development needs of new-type power system and the electricity market system, greater coordination shall be achieved among safe and stable power supply, green and low-carbon energy transformation and efficient economic allocation of resources. Capacity pricing mechanisms for coal-fired power, natural gas power generation, pumped storage hydropower and new-type energy storage shall be improved in a differentiated manner and electricity market mechanisms shall be optimized. After the continuous operation of the electricity spot market, a generation-side reliable capacity compensation mechanism shall be gradually established. Reliable capacity shall be compensated based on peak contribution capability under unified principles, fairly reflecting the contribution of different types of generation and storage resources to system peak demand.

II. Differentiated Improvement of Capacity Pricing Mechanism

A. Coal-fired power and natural gas generation. In align with the demand of Notice on Establishing a Coal-Fired Power Capacity Pricing Mechanism (NDRC Price Document No. 1501 [2023]), local departments shall increase the ratio of fixed costs recovered through capacity pricing for coal-fired units to no less than 50%, which can be further enhanced according to the practical situation including local market development and utilization hours.

Provincial-level pricing authorities may establish a capacity pricing mechanism for natural gas power generation with capacity price determined by the recovery of a certain proportion of fixed assets.

B. Pumped storage hydropower. For pumped storage projects that commenced construction (Water intake abstraction, temporary land use and environment impact assessment approvals) before the issuance of Opinions on Further Improving the Pricing Formation Mechanism for Pumped Storage Hydropower (NDRC [2021] No. 633, hereinafter referred to as the “Document No. 633”), capacity prices shall continue to be government-regulated and determined or reviewed by provincial pricing authorities in accordance with Document No. 633. After the expiration of operation period, price should be reviewed on principles of compensating necessary technology reform output and operation and maintenance costs.

In spirit of the gradual achievement through participation in market to recoup cost and acquire revenue of Document No. 633, for projects commenced after the issuance of Document No. 633, provincial pricing authorities shall, every 3–5 years, determine a unified capacity price for newly commenced projects within the same provincial grid based on the principle of covering average costs over the operating period according to the cost parameter rules clarified in Document No. 633. Capacity prices shall be reduced for projects with full-power generation duration of less than six hours. Implement years are determined on electricity market construction and development, power system demand and sustainable development of power stations. Meanwhile, pumped storage power stations shall independently participate in electricity energy markets and ancillary services markets. Market revenues shall be shared between the power station and the system according to proportions determined by provincial pricing authorities, with the remaining portion used to offset system operating costs and benefit users.

C. Establishment of a capacity pricing mechanism for grid-side independent new-type energy storage. In terms of grid-side independent new-type energy storage power station serving safe electricity system operation and not engaging in energy distribution, local government can grant capacity prices. On the basis of local coal-fired capacity price benchmarks, the capacity prices shall be converted according to peak-shaving capability ( conversion rate is the ratio of full-power continuous discharge duration to the longest annual net-load peak duration, capped at 1) and considers factors like electricity market development and power system demand. Such projects shall be managed under a project list system, with specific requirements determined by NEA. Provincial energy and pricing authorities shall jointly formulate the project lists.

III. Orderly establishment of a grid-side reliable capacity compensation mechanism

A. General acquirement on reliable capacity compensation mechanism. Reliable capacity refers to the sustainable power supply from units in system peak period all year round. After continuous operation of spot market, provincial pricing authorities together with relevant departments shall establish a reliable capacity compensation mechanism and compensate units’ reliable capacity on unified principles. To compensate the unrecovered fixed cost of marginal units in energy and auxiliary services market, the compensation standards will take electricity supply-demand conditions, user affordability and electricity market development into account and make appropriate adjustments. Regions with high new energy installations and heavy dependable capacity demand shall accelerate to establish a reliable capacity compensation mechanism. Guided by national policies, regions equipped with relative conditions can combine electricity market construction situation to form capacity price through ways like capacity markets.

B. Justify compensation scope. The compensation scope of capacity compensation mechanism may includes coal-fired power, natural gas power and correspondent grid-side independent new-type energy storage that voluntarily participating in local electricity market and combine electricity market development and market-based price reform to gradually expanded into pumped storage hydropower and other units equipped with reliable capacity; no duplicate compensation shall be provided for capacity that receives other forms of support or guarantee. Units subject to government-administered pricing are not eligible for compensation.

C. Ensure effective coordination with capacity price policies. After establishing a reliable capacity compensation mechanism, relevant units including coal-fired power, natural gas power and grid-side independent new-type energy storage shall no longer perform original capacity prices. Leveraging the relatively mature market system, provincial-level pricing authorities may uniformly apply the reliable capacity compensation mechanism to pumped storage hydropower stations whose construction commenced after the issuance of this Notice. Such stations shall also participate in the energy and ancillary service markets, with all market proceeds accruing to the station owners. Pumped storage hydropower stations whose construction commenced after the release of Document No. 633 are encouraged to voluntarily opt for the reliable capacity compensation mechanism and participate in the electricity market.

IV. Improve relevant supporting policies

A. Improve electricity market trading and pricing mechanisms. After the improvement of coal-fired power capacity pricing mechanisms, regions may adjust the floor price of medium- and long-term market transaction prices of provincial coal-fired power according to electricity market supply and demand and all units variable cost participating in market and loose the ratio requirements of coal-fired power medium- and long-term contract signing while ensure power and energy balance. Both supply and demand sides are encouraged to sign flexible pricing mechanisms according to market supply-demand and generation cost changes in medium- and long-term contracts. While supply and demand sides in provincial market signing medium- and long-term contracts, local authorities cannot enforce the fixed-price contracts. They may require that a certain proportion of energy in annual medium- and long-term contracts adopt flexible prices reflecting real-time supply and demand according to power supply-demand and market structure.

B. Improve electricity fee settlement policies. Capacity fee and reliable capacity compensation fee of above adjustable power supply will be included into local system operation fee. In regions where spot markets operate continuously, pumped hydro storage’s pumping/generation and grid-side independent new-type energy storage charging/discharging prices are performed by market rules or real-time spot prices; In regions where spot market do not operate continuously, pumping (charging) price shall follow the grid-procured electricity price for commercial and industrial procxy users. The method for determining the generation (discharging) price shall be established by provincial pricing authorities, taking into account factors such as charging/discharging losses across different technology pathways. During pumping (charging), pumped storage hydropower and grid-side independent new energy storage shall be considered as consumers, liable for transmission and distribution network loss fees and system operation fees, and shall temporarily be subject to transmission and distribution tariffs on a per-energy-consumed basis. The corresponding transmission and distribution fees shall be deducted or refunded for generated (discharged) energy. Market revenue shared by pumped storage hydropower stations according to specified proportions shall be settled monthly and cleared annually.

C. Clarify allocation methods for capacity fees of regionally shared pumped storage hydropower. The allocation ratio for capacity fees of regional shared pumped storage hydropower stations shall be determined by capacity allocation ratio which are encouraged to be improved in a market-based way. For stations with clearly defined capacity allocation ratios, the specific ratio applies; For projects that have been approved but lack a defined capacity allocation ratio, the energy and pricing authorities of the province where the project is located shall organize consultations with the energy and pricing authorities of provinces intending to share the costs to determine and specify the ratio. For newly proposed projects not yet approved, the ratio shall be determined through consultation following the above principles and specified in the project approval document.

V. Ensure effective organization and implementation.

A. Strengthen work synergy. Provincial pricing authorities together with relevant departments shall improve capacity pricing policies and build a reliable capacity compensation mechanism. Besides, they are expected to ensure effective organization and implementation as well as policy interpretation to guide companies strengthen operation and management and boost  sound industrial development. Relevant departments should also scientifically evaluate the reliable capacity demand of local electricity systems. Local areas should speed up to establish and improve power market system to encourage the equal access to markets including power and energy and auxiliary services for pumped storage hydropower and new-type storage units so as to better reflect adjustment value and strengthen the adjustable capabilities. Grid companies should work together with departments to roll out data evaluation, sign adjustment and operation agreements and contracts with power stations, perform well in market revenue calculation and settlement, report relative situation to provincial pricing authorities and National Development and Reform Commission( Department of Price). The state will strengthen guidance to all regions to promote smooth implementation.

B. Establish an Electricity Price Affordability Assessment System. Provincial pricing authorities, in conjunction with energy authorities, shall establish a user economic affordability assessment system. The assessment results shall serve as a crucial basis for determining reliable capacity compensation standards, formulating plans for power system regulation capabilities, and development plans for new energy and new energy storage, as well as for approving projects like pumped storage hydropower. Regions with abundant reliable power system capacity or weak user economic affordability shall strictly control the addition of new adjustable power source projects. Projects lacking a user economic affordability assessment shall not be included in planning or approved, and shall not be eligible for capacity fees or reliable capacity compensation.

C. Strengthen Capacity Fee Assessment. Capacity fee assessment measures shall be refined in conjunction with management requirements for various types of generating units, conducting assessments by category to guide units in improving production operation levels and enhancing peak output capability. After the establishment of the reliable capacity compensation mechanism, assessments shall be further strengthened and strictly enforced to fully leverage the guiding role of capacity pricing. Capacity fees or reliable capacity compensation shall be deducted for units failing to meet assessment requirements, with specifics to be clarified by provincial pricing authorities in consultation with relevant parties.

National Development and Reform Commission

National Energy Administration

January 27, 2026

In 2025, under the guidance of relevant departments, the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA) led a consortium including North China Electric Power University, the Institute of Finance, Accounting and Auditing of State Grid Energy Research Institute, the Institute of Energy Strategy and Planning of State Grid Energy Research Institute, and the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to complete the research project "Study on Market-Oriented Capacity Compensation Mechanisms for Energy Storage." This study provides an important reference for national policy formulation.

To assist the industry in accurately grasping policy opportunities, CNESA will host an online live broadcast for the "Study on Market-Oriented Capacity Compensation Mechanisms for Energy Storage" Results Release and Policy Interpretation session in the near future. Core experts from the research project will be invited to share the findings and analyze key points of capacity compensation policies.

Everyone is welcome to scan the QR code to schedule the live broadcast.

Register now to attend Asia’s Largest Energy Storage Trade Show for free:

What: The 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo

When: Conferences: March 31 - April 2, 2026

Exhibitions: April 1-3, 2026

Where: CIECC Beijing, China

Address: No. 55 Yudong road, Shunyi District, Beijing China

An additional 66.43GW/189.48GWh Added! CNESA DataLink 2025 Annual Energy Storage Data Release

On January 22, Energy Storage International Conference and Expo 2026 Press together with CNESA DataLink 2025 Annual Energy Storage Data Release was held in Beijing, China. Enterprises across the energy storage value chain and authoritative media outlets closely following the sector gather together to review the past developments and look ahead to the future.

During the press, Chen Haisheng, director, Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Chairman, China Energy Storage Alliance, on behalf of China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA), delivered a comprehensive overview of the development of China’s new-type energy storage industry in 2025 and shared insights into trends for 2026.

Liu Wei, Secretary General of CNESA reported the preparatory progress of the 14th Energy Storage International Conference And Expo (ESIE 2026). ESIE 2026 is set to achieve comprehensive value upgrade with the core to build a true “energy storage ecosystem exhibition”. It aims to not only attract attention but committed more to create industry value-- through accurate resource matching, in-depth content services and long-term and effective ecosystem connections to establish a platform empowering the full lifecycle growth of energy storage enterprises.

Meanwhile, as China stands at the critical juncture of market-oriented transition for standalone energy storage during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, amid widening regional policy divergence and rising challenges in industrial decision-making, CNESA released the first toolbook-style policy map for standalone energy storage market mechanisms. It will also focus on key policies in 21 provinces, break down their revenue models, explore mechanism highlights and evaluate the profitability level, providing efficient decision-making references for governments, companies and investment institutions and contributing to the industry high-quality development.

01.

Scale of New-type Energy Storage Projects

Total Power Storage Capacity Reaches 213.3GW with New-Type Energy Storage Accounting for Over Two Thirds

According to the incomplete statistics from CNESA Datalink Global Energy Storage Database, by the end of December, 2025, China’s cumulative installed power storage capacity reached 213.3GW with an increase of +54% year on year. 2025 marks the end year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the market share of energy storage technologies saw changes compared with that of the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Pumped hydro storage accounted for 31.3% of total capacity, the new-type energy storage represented by lithium battery witnessing leapfrog growth and the cumulative installed capacity of new-type energy storage exceeded two thirds of the total, accelerating the industry’s transition from single dominant technology toward diversified development.

Cumulative Installed Capacity of New-Type Energy Storage Exceeds 100GW

By the end of December, 2025, China’s cumulative installed capacity of new-type energy storage reached 144.7GW, witnessing a year-on-year increase of +85%. It was the first time that China’s cumulative installed capacity of new-type energy storage exceeded 100GW, reaching 45 times that of the end of 13th Five-Year Plan. The major application scenario of China’s new-type energy storage has shifted from being dominated by the user-side (35%) to being primarily standalone energy storage (58%); Thermal power plus storage for frequency regulation (1.4%) and user-side storage (8%) witnessed evident decline; New energy paired storage share remains steady.

Newly Commissioned Capacity Reaches 66.43GW/189.48GWh

China commissioned 66.43GW/ 189.48GWh of new-type energy storage capacity, with an increase of 52%/73% in power size and energy scale respectively. In terms of regional dispatch, all top 10 provinces’ installed capacity was more than 5GWh, totaling about 90%; Western provinces took full lead, with Inner Mongolia ranking first in both power and energy capacity, surpassing California to become the world’s leading province by scale. Yunnan Province entered the Top10 for the first time.

02. New-Type Energy Storage Bidding and Tendering Market

Decline in Energy Storage System Tenders, Increase in EPC Tenders

According to incomplete statistics from CNESA DataLink Global Energy Storage Database,690 energy storage system tender packages (excluding centralized and framework procurement) were issued in 2025, down 10.4% year on year. In contrast, 1,536 EPC tender packages (excluding centralized and framework procurement) were released, representing a 4.5% increase. This shift indicates changing construction preferences in the non-centralized and framework procurement market, with project owners increasingly favoring integrated, turnkey delivery models that outsource construction and risk management.

Winning Bid Volumes for Energy Storage Systems reach 121.5GWh and 206.3GWh for EPC

In 2025, the winning bid volume for energy storage systems (excluding centralized and framework procurement) reached 121.5GWh, up 140.1% year on year. Meanwhile, EPC projects recorded a winning bid volume of 206.3GWh, representing a 125.5% increase.

03. New-Type Energy Storage Policies

High Policy Activity Maintained

CNESA pays attention to energy storage policy development for a long term and rolled out 869 relevant policies with a year-on-year increase of 13%; Market-oriented reform entered rapid development with electricity pricing and power market policies keeping the heat high and regulatory and management-oriented policies sharing larger proportion.

Many Provinces Have Realized the 14th Five-Year Plan Targets

By the end of 2025, the total installed capacity of provincial new-type energy storage in 14th Five-Year Plan period exceeded 91.6GW. In terms of practical installed capacity, most provinces nationwide have achieved their respective planning targets of the 14th Five-Year Plan.

Commercial and Industrial Energy Storage Moves Toward Marketization, with Cumulative Capacity Expected to Exceed 30GW During the 15th Five-Year Plan

In early 2025, document No. 136  promoted the full market participation of the new energy electricity generation. The medium-and-long-term rules by the end of 2025 canceled artificially prescribed time-of-use pricing for market participants. It can be seen that the load-side users will gradually enter market and commercial and industrial energy storage in 2026 will move towards marketization in phase.

For time-of-use pricing, several places have matched spot market to adjust time-of-use and pricing scope with a general narrowing of price spreads. A majority of regions saw bearish news from the short term. For grid agency purchase electricity price, the average price spread of 32 regions was RMB0.616 per kWh with a year-on-year decrease of 9.4%.

Meanwhile, China encourages commercial and industrial users at 10kv and above to directly participate in the electricity market and gradually narrow the grid agency purchase user scope. Therefore, in the future, the pricing spread arbitrage of commercial and industrial will be decided by the real-time market supply and demand, which is unsustainable only depending on the fixed price spread arbitrage model.

Looking into the 15th Five-Year Plan, commercial and industrial energy storage will keep steady growth with diverse revenue streams, shifting from single “fixed price spread arbitrage model” to “fluctuated market price spread arbitrage+demand charge management+demand response”. The cumulative installed capacity is expected to exceed 30GW.

04.

Outlook for the New-Type Energy Storage

Cumulative installed capacity of new-type energy storage is expected to exceed 370GW by 2030

Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan, key development trends include:

Policy: New-type energy storage will be driven by market mechanisms, continue to expand new application scenarios and innovate business models together the green value and facilitate the industrial high-quality development.

Technology: The industry has entered a phase of multi-technology coexistence. Diverse energy storage technologies are expected to continue achieving breakthroughs across multiple scenarios and scales throughout the 15th Five-Year Plan period and long-duration energy storage will come into a critical development phase.

Energy Storage Duration: According to CNESA, the average time-spun of cumulative new-type energy storage installations witnessed slow increase between 2021 and 2025 from 2.11 hours to 2.58 hours. From 2026 onwards, the duration growth is expected to speed up evidently, which will reach 3.47 hours by 2030. This change reflects the intensified demand of ongoing technological progress and market for long-duration energy storage. This industry is moving towards in-depth application scenario emphasizing more on energy capacity including energy transfer time and system regulation.

Installation Capacity: Historical statistic shows that China’s new-type energy storage has entered rapid development. Over the past 5 years, the cumulative installation of new-type energy has been 40 times larger. As installed base grows, growth rate slowing down will be definite. Looking into the 15th Five-Year Plan, in spite of moderate development, the large base will continue to generate considerable absolute increase. The cumulative installed capacity in 2030 is expected to exceed 370GW.

Register now to attend Asia’s Largest Energy Storage Trade Show for free:

What: The 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo

When: Conferences: March 31 - April 2, 2026

       Exhibitions: April 1-3, 2026

Where: CIECC Beijing, China

Adress: No. 55 Yudong road, Shunyi District, Beijing China

Google Acquires U.S. Energy Storage Giant for $4.75 Billion

As the global tech giants engage in a frenzied race for AI computing power, a more fundamental battle over “energy supply” is unveiling. Google’s multi-billion dollar power play procured not just an energy storage company but the the “electricity passport” towards the AI-driven future.

I. Blockbuster Acquisition: Acquisition of U.S. Energy Storage Giant for $4.75 Billion

On December 22, Alphabet, Google's parent company, announced that it will acquire Intersect Power, a leading U.S. battery energy storage system developer and operator, for $4.75 billion in cash plus the assumption of debt. 

What to watch：

Targeted Assets: The acquisition does not cover the already operational assets but targets its future clean energy power generation projects, data center and energy storage system, totaling 10GWh.

Strategic intention: directly circumvent the crowded traditional grid and build an exclusive “power generation + energy storage” closed loop for AI data center.

The Alphabet CEO said: “ Intersect will help us synchronize the creation of power generation and energy storage system so as to match the added data center load and reshape energy solutions of AI data center.

II. Urgency: The high energy consumption “black hole” of AI data center

It is the tremendous energy pressure alongside generative AI behind the acquisition.

Surge in electricity consumption: the electricity demand is estimated to grow manyfold of data center hubs including State of Texas and California in 2030.

Stringent Reliability requirement: The AI data center requires 99.999% power supply reliability, which is hard to satisfy for traditional grid.

Solutions: Battery Energy Storage System emerges as the key infrastructure to balance the intermittency of renewable energy and achieve 24/7 uninterrupted power supply.

III. Ecological Synergy: Tesla makes an indirect play and broaden the collaboration zone

It is noteworthy that Intersect and Tesla are long-term collaboration partners. Google’s move means Tesla will step into the collaboration zone.

Current collaboration: Many operational energy storage projects of Intersect have employed the Megapack energy storage system of Tesla (like the Oberon 1 GWh project of California)

A huge order: Intersect also signed the 15.3GWh supply contract with Tesla, becoming one of the world’s largest purchasers and operators of this model of energy storage equipment.

IV. Chinese Companies: A head start in the Global data center energy storage arena

In fact, China’s top-tier energy storage companies have identified the opportunities early on, actively expanding their presence in the global “data center + energy storage” sector:

Companies like SUNGROW, SHUANGDENG, HUAWEI, KWLONG, ZTT, NARADA, HTHIUM, ROBESTEC, Potis Edge, Ampace, CLOU, Hopewind, CHNT, KSTAR, Vertiv, DELTA, EATON, VISION, SINEXCEL, JST(JINPAN TECHNOLOGY), TONGFEI, Envicool, Goaland, Shenling, HAIWU and so on has played their respective roles engaging in data center energy construction.

The market demonstrates that China’s supply chain ranging from power sources, battery to management system is becoming an important power to underpin the global AI data center energy transformation.

V. Industry Barometer: the summit forum focuses on “data center + energy storage” future

Google’s acquisition does not stand alone and it points to a global trend: energy storage combined with data center has become the central arena where global technology and energy industry converge.

This trend will be fully represented in the upcoming industry grand.

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Register now to attend Asia's Largest Energy Storage Trade Show for free:

What: The 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo

When: Conferences: March 31 - April 2, 2026

Exhibitions: April 1-3, 2026

Where: CIECC Beijing, China

Address: No. 55 Yudong road, Shunyi District, Beijing China

Breaking Through the Waves and Going Global! Hear the New Expectations from Overseas Markets for China’s Energy Storage

Source: CNESA

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On December 3-5, 2025, the 2025 China Energy Storage CEO Summit and the Preliminary Round of the 10th International Energy Storage Innovation Competition, hosted by the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA) and co-hosted by Xiamen University, Kehua Digital Energy, and Cornex New Energy, was successfully held in Xiamen.

As CNESA’s flagship concluding event of the year, this summit was anchored in the southeastern coastal region - a strategic hub linking global markets - and was themed “Breaking Waves · Coexisting - Shaping a New Global Energy Storage Ecosystem for 2026.” It brings together senior representatives from energy investment institutions, project developers, asset owners, and EPC companies from Saudi Arabia, Australia, Denmark, Austria, Bulgaria, India, and other countries for in-depth engagement.

International guests focused on topics including project implementation, cooperation models with Chinese companies, grid connection and interconnection standards, and industrial chain collaboration, collectively presenting the global market's genuine expectations of - and directions for cooperation with - China's energy storage industry.

Europe:

Focusing on building long-term partnerships rather than

engaging in short-term transactions.

Renalfa IPP - Chief Investment Officer (Austria / Bulgaria)

Kalina Pelovska

Renalfa IPP is a leading independent power producer in Europe, with more than 5.6 GW of renewable energy assets deployed across Central and Eastern Europe.

“Investment decision-making has evolved from a singular focus on levelized cost of energy to a comprehensive evaluation of system reliability and revenue stability. The strengths of Chinese energy storage companies are expanding from pricing advantages to delivery efficiency, technical responsiveness, and long-term stability. We look forward to jointly cultivating the Central and Eastern European (CEE) energy storage asset market with Chinese companies through joint ventures and co-investment models, building long-term partnerships.”

Solarpro Technology AD - Head of Energy Storage Division (Bulgaria)

Gabriel Nenov

Solarpro is a major EPC contractor and energy storage project developer in Southeast Europe, with extensive experience in PV+BESS projects across Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, and other countries.

“The energy storage market in Eastern Europe is rapidly taking off, but complex grid-connection rules and diverse approval processes place very high demands on information transparency and depth of technical communication. Large-scale projects of 200 MWh and above are becoming mainstream. The Eastern European energy storage market is optimistic about deep collaboration with Chinese partners at the inverter, battery cell, and EMS integration levels. Through standards alignment and early-stage design coordination, project bankability and execution certainty can be significantly improved.”

Australia:

Not Just Batteries, but “Plug-and-Play” System Solutions

Green Gold Energy - Head of Energy Engineering Department (Australia)

Alessandro Wei

Green Gold Energy is a leading renewable energy developer and EPC contractor in Australia, with extensive experience in developing large-scale photovoltaic and battery energy storage projects across South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and other regions.

“In the Australian market, the Chinese energy storage supply chain has already built a high level of trust. Looking ahead, there is a stronger expectation for entry through system-level solutions rather than standalone equipment - integrated coordination across PCS, BMS, EMS, and grid-connection models. Australia’s energy storage business model is shifting from frequency regulation-led applications to a parallel model combining medium- to long-duration energy storage arbitrage and capacity assurance, placing higher demands on overall system compliance, long-term O&M capabilities, and localized services. Grid-forming technologies, validation of grid-connection models, and technical confirmation prior to tendering will become key levers for China-Australia collaboration.”

Middle East:

Focusing on long-duration energy storage and system integration

capabilities

Aramco Ventures - President of China Strategic Investments (Saudi Arabia)

Rongtao Sun

Aramco Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Saudi Aramco - the world's largest energy company - is accelerating its global investments in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage, and advanced materials.

“The global energy system is rapidly evolving toward a more diversified structure, with energy storage becoming a critical foundational asset. Large-scale energy base projects in the Middle East and North Africa impose higher thresholds for long-duration energy storage, system integration capabilities, and project-level reliability. China holds significant advantages in energy storage manufacturing capacity, industrial clustering, and supply chain completeness. Going forward, we will pay closer attention to the maturity of Chinese energy storage companies in safety standards, long-term operations and maintenance, project documentation systems, and global delivery capabilities. Through joint investments, demonstration projects, and localized deployment, we aim to promote deeper levels of cooperation.”

Nordic Region:

Strong emphasis on full life-cycle services and close coordination

with the power grid

DRSOLAR Denmark ApS - Chief Executive Officer (Denmark)

Salomon Martens

DRSOLAR is a Danish renewable energy system integrator and distributor, with long-term engagement in battery energy storage sales and system services across Nordic and European markets.

“In Denmark and the broader Nordic region, demand for energy storage is shifting from simple grid-connection support to system services and flexibility resources. The market increasingly emphasizes system safety, full life-cycle services, and the ability to collaborate with grid operators. Chinese energy storage products are competitive in performance and delivery. If further alignment can be achieved in certification standards, after-sales systems, and localized technical support, their market penetration will be significantly strengthened.”

RJS Construction ApS - Chief Operating Officer (Denmark)

Robert Kraszewski

RJS Construction is a Danish engineering and EPC service provider involved in the construction and delivery of multiple renewable energy and energy storage projects across Europe.

“From an EPC perspective, European projects place greater emphasis on engineering feasibility and on-site adaptability. Energy storage systems must fully consider construction, commissioning, and O&M conditions during the design phase. Chinese companies perform strongly in modular design and manufacturing efficiency. If closer coordination can be established with local EPC teams, project delivery efficiency can be significantly improved while risks are better controlled.”

India:

Seeking Partners to Scale from Pilot Projects to Full Deployment

At the Energy Storage CEO Summit, representatives of Coca-Cola’s Indian bottling operations expressed clear interest in collaboration. Their purpose for attending was highly practical: “In India, energy storage is booming, so we want to explore this for our company.”

Their demand stems directly from the company’s energy transition efforts. They have already built dedicated solar power plants for their own operations, and their current focus is to use battery energy storage systems to replace grid electricity during peak hours, achieving a better balance between solar generation and energy storage.

Regarding cooperation, they outlined a clear roadmap: “Maybe we can start the pilot project in India. And once if we will find it good, we would scale it up in India and do a business over there with the help of China.” They also explicitly noted that they regard the China Energy Storage Alliance (CNESA) as an important support platform in this field and attended the summit specifically to seek connections through CNESA.

As a key prelude to the 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo (ESIE 2026), this year’s China Energy Storage CEO Summit delivered a clear message through its high level of international participation and practice-oriented agenda: the global market not only recognizes China’s manufacturing strength in energy storage, but also expects deeper collaboration across technology standards, ecosystem development, and long-term value creation.

As Chinese energy storage companies further integrate into the global energy system, a new ecosystem built on co-creation, co-development, and shared growth is taking shape. This is no longer merely about exporting products, but a collective journey of technologies, standards, and cooperative models going global together.

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CENSA Upcoming Events:

Apr. 1-3, 2026 | The 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo

Register Now to attend, free before Dec 31, 2025.

Read more: https://en.cnesa.org/new-events-1/2026/4/1/apr-1-apr3-the-14th-energy-storage-international-exhibition-amp-expo

Countdown: 100 Days to Go! - ESIE 2026 Energy Storage Expo Announces First Batch of Exhibitors

Source: CNESA

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The 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo (ESIE 2026) 

March 31 - April 3, 2026 

Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center, Beijing, China 

With just 100 days remaining until the opening of the 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo (ESIE 2026), anticipation across the industry continues to build. Momentum is accelerating, and companies are actively registering to exhibit.

As exhibitor recruitment enters its final countdown, this landmark event - designed to build industry consensus, drive technological innovation, and foster global exchange - warmly invites energy storage professionals worldwide to gather in Beijing.

Exhibition Overview

ESIE 2026 will feature 6 themed exhibition halls:

Energy Storage & Power Equipment Hall

Battery & Intelligent Manufacturing Hall

2 Energy Storage Application Halls

Battery & Materials, International Hall

Future Ecology Hall

In addition, 9 specialized zones will be set up, covering:

power equipment, zero-carbon industrial parks, data centers, EV charging infrastructure, fire safety, intelligent manufacturing, hydrogen energy, materials, and testing & certification.

Together, the exhibition comprehensively covers enterprises across the entire upstream and downstream energy storage industry chain.

Figure | Layout Plan of the 14th Energy Storage International Conference & Expo

A1 - Energy Storage & Power Equipment Hall

Well-known brands exhibiting include: HyperStrong, EVE Energy, Zhongqi New Energy, Pengcheng Infinite, CLOU, Zhongchu Guoneng, Great Power, Inpai Battery, Huadian Heavy Industries, Hongzheng Energy Storage, Chint Electrics, Guodian Nanjing Automation, Elecnova, Envicool, Qianye Technology, Tiansu, Futronics, Dafu Integrated Equipment Technology, UTL Electrical, Winsure Communication, Sanwo Liyuan, Fans-tech Electrical, Kait, Qingyuan HeYi, YNTECH, Regal Rexnord, and more.

A2 - Battery & Intelligent Manufacturing Hall

Exhibitors include: CATL, Soaring Electric, XYZ Storage, Kehua Digital Energy, Cornex, Sineng Electric, NR Electric, AlphaESS, Hopewind, Ampace, Nebula Electronics, Autowell, Gaodengsai Energy, RelyEZ, Phoenix Contact, Youxing Shark, Lead Technology, Iron Man Fire Fighting, RePower Technology, Kelvin New Energy, Huasi Systems, Ligoo New Energy, Zonzsin, Tangent, Xenbo Heat Sink, Ubetter, Yaliqu, Heidun Cloud, Luoweite, National Center for Advanced Energy Storage Product Quality Inspection & Testing, Balance Intelligent Fire, and others.

B1 - Energy Storage Application Hall

Participating companies include: CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, Gotion High-Tech, Goldwind, Huawei, Sunwoda, Hoymiles, Hithium, Ganfeng, KE Electric & Hisense, Pylontech, Zhiguang Energy Storage, Liangxin Electrical, Ancheng New Energy, Xingchen New Energy, Gold Electronic, TCL, PULSST, Advantech, Chuancheng Energy Storage, SAV, SGS-CSTC Standards, TYT, Xinyuan Tech, Enerflow, Hysea, Stif, TIG Technology, Candera, TYES Energy Storage, among others.

B2 - Energy Storage Application Hall

Exhibitors include: Sungrow, CALB, Narada, REPT BATTERO Energy, Robestec, Windey Energy, iPotisEdge, TONGFEI, Siyuan Electric, Dongfang Electric, InfyPower, Xiqing, HYXiPOWER, Kgooer, Xiamen Hongfa, Qualtech, REsource Electric, HIGEE, State Energy XinControl, Beijing Micro Control Industrial Gateway Technology, Rongke Power, BMSER, Sinofuse, Southern CIMC, EMKA (Tianjin), Lanrui Electric, Hecheng Smart Electric, ZONZEN, Kefa Electronics, and more.

B3 - Battery & Materials, International Hall

Exhibitors include: Shuangdeng Group, Megarevo, Concord New Energy, Kstar, GoodWe, ZTT, Wocheng, Sigenergy, German Pavilion, Suqian Times, CVC Testing, SHENG YANG Electric, Heyuan Magnetics, Shentong Mechanical & Electrical, TOPOS, Honghaisheng, Dianwei, Carbon Energy Technology, WILO SE, Cergen New Energy, Longxiang Rubber, Onpow Push Button, Hefei Zhiyou Electric, WSF, CHEVRON Electronic, and others.

B4 - Future Ecology Hall

Exhibitors include: Envision Storage, BYD, Trina Storage, Singularity Energy, Longking, CSG Energy Storage, Jinko, State Power Rixin Technology, Contemporary Nebula Energy Technology, iBatteryCloud, Gresgying, CSG Technology, Wincell, ESF Technology, Sino Group, and more.

One-Stop Access to Cross-Sector Energy Storage Innovations

Visitors can explore a wide range of integrated application scenarios, including:

Energy Storage + Industry: Steel, cement, chemicals, petroleum, aluminum, coal, oilfields, and more - discover how energy-intensive enterprises reduce costs and improve efficiency with storage solutions.

Energy Storage + Wind & Solar: BIPV storage, CIPV storage, source-grid-load-storage integration, PV-storage-DC-flexible systems - all solutions for coordinated renewable and storage development.

Energy Storage + Desert & Gobi Mega Bases: Wind-solar-storage bundled transmission, grid-forming storage, multi-energy complementarity (wind + solar + storage + coal/solar thermal), and ecological desert control - unlock efficient desert energy utilization.

Energy Storage + Zero-Carbon Parks / Green Power Direct Supply: Microgrids, distributed PV-storage consumption, dedicated green power lines, peak-valley arbitrage, emergency backup, and green power traceability - ensuring stable green electricity supply.

Energy Storage + Data Centers / Telecom Base Stations: Backup power, peak-valley arbitrage, off-grid power supply, and green power integration - supporting stable and cost-efficient digital infrastructure.

Smart Energy: Smart grids, microgrids, virtual power plants, distributed energy management systems, and energy IoT platforms - key tools for future energy management.

Energy Storage + Transportation: Vehicle-to-grid interaction, charging and swapping facilities, PV-storage-charging stations, EVs, electric heavy trucks, low-altitude economy, and new energy solutions for ports and airports.

Innovative Energy Storage Technologies: Hydrogen energy; chemical storage (sodium-ion, solid-state, aqueous, all-vanadium flow, etc.); physical storage (compressed air, flywheel, gravity, molten salt, etc.).

Preparations for ESIE 2026 have entered the full-scale sprint phase. The organizing committee is advancing all work in a coordinated and efficient manner to deliver a high-level professional exchange platform for the industry.

Exhibition booths are now in short supply, with only a limited number of premium locations remaining. Energy storage enterprises across the entire value chain are warmly invited to join ESIE 2026 - uniting around technological innovation, advancing industrial upgrading, and jointly shaping a high-quality future for the new energy storage industry.

Register Now to attend, free before Dec 31, 2025：

https://mailchi.mp/2a7b423a7efb/esie-2026-registration-socialmedia