Hexun Investment Advisor Guo Lei: Energy Storage Sector Breaks Out Directly! Three Key Reasons!

Exports have surged by 108.9%, with the three major energy storage sectors working together. The global installation rush has truly begun. Guo Lei, an investment analyst at Hexun, analyzes that the most certain and synchronized growth globally right now is in energy storage. From January to February this year, our energy storage battery exports doubled, increasing by 108.9%. Coupled with the explosive demand for large-scale AI storage in the U.S. and Europe’s focus on energy security through energy storage, our country’s 14th Five-Year Plan has also designated energy storage as a pillar industry. These three positive factors are hitting a single sector—an opportunity that only comes around once in many years. This isn’t just a short-term trading wave; it’s driven by global demand, government policies, and technological upgrades. Today, I’ll clarify the core logic of institutions and the most promising directions.

First, look at a data point: before 2026, energy storage battery sales in the first two months skyrocketed by 108.9%, with exports reaching 48 GWh, fully meeting external demand. The U.S. is rushing to install large-scale AI storage, with a surge in January’s new capacity by 35%. The full-year forecast is over 80 GWh, with data centers and AI computing power alone contributing 37 GWh. In simple terms, the hotter AI gets, the more storage is needed; the more computing power increases, the more valuable storage becomes. The key is that North America’s own battery cell capacity can’t keep up, so China’s supply chain benefits the most.

Second, Europe treats energy storage as a survival strategy. When conflicts erupt in the Middle East, Europe becomes panicked—energy security is more important than anything. Storage shifts from optional to essential. The EU has raised its 2030 renewable energy target to 40%, with a 45 GWh storage installation goal. Plus, with wind and solar costs at historic lows, orders and installations accelerate as tensions rise. Europe has entered a real installation scramble.

Third, the government has strongly positioned energy storage as a pillar industry in the 14th Five-Year Plan. This is the most long-term and solid logic. New energy storage is now listed among six emerging pillar industries, on par with integrated circuits, aerospace, and biomedicine. The industry’s scale is impressive—by 2025, output value could reach nearly 6 trillion yuan, and by 2030, potentially 10 trillion yuan. The industry logic has shifted: success is no longer just about size but about safety, scenarios, costs, and globalization. Currently, large-capacity batteries above 500Ah have become mainstream—standard rather than optional. Major energy platforms are making fixed procurement, reducing costs and increasing safety. Leading companies are betting on large-capacity batteries, marking a new performance explosion period for the industry.

What are the key directions institutions are focusing on? Essentially, three categories: First, globally strong leading companies with international capabilities—those benefiting most from simultaneous orders in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Second, companies specializing in 500Ah+ large-capacity batteries with clear technological routes, high success rates, and stable profits. Third, long-duration storage and large system integration tailored for AI data centers, with overseas large-scale orders providing steady performance.

In summary, AI in the U.S. is experiencing explosive growth, Europe is safeguarding energy security, and China’s 14th Five-Year Plan has set energy storage as a pillar industry—creating a triple resonance. By 2026, global energy storage installations are expected to grow over 60%. We often say to look at the logic at low points and volume and price at high points. Currently, energy storage is just at the start of global demand, policy implementation, and large-capacity volume. Every adjustment is an opportunity for low-entry points.