On July 31, the National Energy Administration (NEA) held a press conference to discuss the development of new energy storage in the first half of 2024. By the end of June 2024, the total installed capacity of new energy storage projects across the country reached 44.44 million kW (99.06 million kWh), marking a growth of over 40% compared to the end of 2023.

Bian Guangqi, Deputy Director of the Energy Conservation and Technology Equipment Department of the NEA, reported that the northwest and north-central regions account for over 50% of the newly operational energy storage capacity. Specifically, the northwest region contributes 27.3%, followed by the north-central region at 27.2%, the central region at 15.3%, the southern region at 15.2%, the eastern region at 14.6%, and the northeast region at 0.4%.

In terms of technology, several projects utilizing compressed air energy storage, flow batteries, and sodium-ion batteries have commenced operations, promoting the exploration and application of grid-forming energy storage and encouraging technological diversification.

As of mid-2024, lithium-ion battery storage represents 97% of the total, with compressed air energy storage at 1.1%, lead-carbon (acid) battery storage at 0.8%, flow battery storage at 0.4%, and other technologies accounting for 0.7%. Regarding application scenarios, independent and shared energy storage installations comprise 45.3%, while new energy-integrated storage accounts for 42.8%, with other applications making up 11.9%.

According to statistics from grid companies, the equivalent utilization hours for new energy storage in the State Grid operating area reached 390 hours in the first half of 2024, with approximately 93 equivalent charge-discharge cycles, reflecting increases of about 100% and 86%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. In regions with more mature market operations, such as Shandong and Gansu, the utilization levels of new energy storage have further improved. The Southern Grid operating area recorded equivalent utilization hours of 560 in the first half of 2024, nearing the total for all of 2023.

Looking ahead, the NEA plans to strengthen planning guidance, enhance pilot demonstrations, optimize dispatch utilization, improve the standard system, and refine market mechanisms, continuously promoting the high-quality development of the new energy storage industry.