2026/06/29
Source: China Energy Storage Alliance & Bernstein Research | Updated June 2026
In the first half of 2026, the global energy transition process continues to accelerate, coupled with the explosive growth of artificial intelligence computing power facilities, which brings about the demand for power security. China's energy storage system (ESS) exports have ushered in a new round of explosive growth. According to the latest industry statistics, the global competitiveness of China's energy storage industry chain is upgrading from a single product export to a high-level form of coordinated output of technology, production capacity, and standards, occupying a core dominant position at the key node of global green energy transformation.
According to the latest data released by the China Energy Storage Alliance, the total number of new overseas orders signed by Chinese energy storage companies in 2025 reached 366 GWh, a significant increase of 144% year-on-year. This growth momentum continued in the first quarter of 2026: the export volume of large-scale energy storage systems jumped by more than 130% year-on-year, and the export growth rate of household energy storage systems also exceeded 65%. Over 70 Chinese energy storage companies have launched their products in more than 60 countries and regions, with core markets covering Europe, Australia, North America, the Middle East, and beyond.
The global energy storage monthly tracking report released by Bernstein shows that in April 2026, the monthly shipment of energy storage batteries in China reached 93.1 GWh — a new historical high. The cumulative shipment in the first four months was 309.1 GWh, a year-on-year increase of 109%. Overseas shipment volume surged by 192% year-on-year, far exceeding the domestic market growth rate.
Geopolitical energy security demand: Ongoing conflicts have elevated energy independence to national strategic priority. Fluctuations in the oil and gas supply chain have accelerated countries' construction of independent and controllable power systems, making energy storage a critical investment direction.
AI data center power demand: Large-scale AI computing facilities require massive, uninterrupted electricity supply. Technology giants such as Google and Microsoft have combined large-scale energy storage systems with renewable generation as the core solution for data center power security.
China's dominant industrial chain: Even Tesla's core battery components are supplied by Chinese companies such as CATL, BYD, and Haichen Energy Storage. The top six global energy storage battery suppliers are all from China, commanding 97% of the global market.
China's overseas ESS expansion has shifted from reliance on a single core market to a diversified growth pattern. In Q1 2026, Chinese manufacturers' shipments to the EU increased 217% year-on-year, and shipments to other emerging markets rose 160% year-on-year. Together they accounted for 55% of China's total overseas ESS shipments.
| Market | Q1 2026 YoY Growth | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | +217% | Household ESS, peak-valley arbitrage, high electricity prices |
| Middle East | +160% | Grid-scale projects (7.8 GWh Saudi Arabia, 7.5 GWh UAE) |
| Japan | New Entry | Grid-side ESS and data center backup power |
| Household ESS (EU) | +246% | 60%+ Chinese product market share in Europe HES |
The growth logic of the industry is undergoing profound changes. China's energy storage global expansion has upgraded from finished product export to collaborative output of manufacturing capabilities, technical solutions, and industry standards. Many leading enterprises have started to localize their production capacity overseas, responding to market demand via production bases that meet local policy requirements, while driving local employment and energy infrastructure upgrades.
Bank of America predicts that the global installed capacity of battery energy storage will reach 425 GWh in 2026 and 533 GWh in 2027. In this round of global energy storage growth, China's core position in the industrial chain will continue to consolidate.
"Although some Western markets have implemented trade barriers, it is difficult to truly break away from China's mature energy storage industry chain in the face of the rigid demand for global energy transformation. Chinese manufacturers account for 97% of the global ESS battery market."
— Industry Analysis, 2026
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