Is China entering a new era of energy storage demand?

Mainland China accounts for most of the global energy storage demand, driven in the near term by regional requirements for new utility-scale wind and solar projects to include energy storage capacity. However, the Chinese market is entering an era of change.

What drives energy storage project development?

Globally, energy storage project development is increasingly driven by the utility-scale segment, with mandates and targeted auctions driving gigawatt-hour projects in markets like China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Australia and Chile.

How much did energy storage cost in China in 2023?

The global energy storage market nearly tripled in 2023 alone, adding 45 gigawatts (97 gigawatt-hours), yet prices in China fell to record lows of $115 per kilowatt-hour for two-hour systems—a 43% year-over-year decrease 2.

Should energy storage be removed from energy grid connection?

For energy storage, the new Chinese policy emphasized the need to remove energy storage as a prerequisite for renewable energy project grid connection, a requirement that has been a major driver for battery build. Nonetheless, BNEF still expects strong demand for batteries, as the policy doesn’t explicitly require mandates to stop.

How big will a new power plant grow this year?

BloombergNEF expects additions to grow 35% this year, setting a record for annual additions, at 94 gigawatts (247 gigawatt-hours), excluding pumped hydro.