Why Global EPCs Are Sourcing BESS from China in 2026?

      So far this year, China’s energy storage product exports have shown impressive scale and growth. According to customs data, in the first quarter of this year, the export value of lithium-ion batteries—one of the most core and critical components of energy storage equipment—increased by more than 50% compared to the same period last year. How are energy storage companies currently faring in terms of production and sales?

      SunEvo Solar is discussing future cooperation with an Indian buyer with whom it has collaborated for many years. Due to growing demand for energy storage products in the Indian market, the company plans to increase its procurement volume this year.

      Indian Client: We have already placed an order for nearly 200 MWh, and delivery has been completed. We are now preparing to place another order for a 500 MWh CNN utility project, and we have also begun discussions on planning for next year’s demand.

     Since the beginning of this year, demand for energy storage products overseas has continued to grow, a trend that company staff has experienced firsthand, as the number of visiting foreign buyers has noticeably increased. Before exporting energy storage products overseas, companies must first apply for certification of dangerous goods packaging and demonstrate to the relevant authorities that the exported goods meet the requirements. Since the start of this year, the frequency of applications for this service has also increased significantly.

      A representative from the marketing department of Sunevo Solar Co., Ltd. stated: “We submit applications about three to four times a month, sometimes even three to five times. Previously, it was only about twice a month.”

      Driven by overseas market demand this year, the company has seen growth in exports across all categories of energy storage products, and its overseas sales channels have expanded further. There has been significant growth from December of last year through April of this year, with first-quarter shipments up 150% year-over-year. “In the past, our exports were primarily focused on energy storage products for the telecommunications sector. Now, we have expanded our product range: telecommunications energy storage is exported to Southeast Asia, while commercial and industrial energy storage is exported to the United States and other markets. Previously, our exports were dominated by lithium iron phosphate batteries, but we have now begun to increase exports of sodium-ion batteries as well.”

     Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that from January to March this year, China exported lithium-ion batteries worth 167.21 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of over 50%. Among these, the European Union was the largest export market, while ASEAN was the second-largest.

     Data analysis from the Statistics and Analysis Division of Shenzhen Customs shows that in the first quarter, Shenzhen exported lithium batteries worth 25.01 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 59.7%, with shipments reaching 190 countries and regions. Specifically, the exported goods were primarily energy storage batteries and power batteries.