In June 2026, the author of an article published by Greener completed an itinerary in China entirely focused on the energy storage sector. The trip included visits to major battery manufacturers and had a clear purpose: to closely follow how the Chinese storage market has been transforming and to understand where the local industry is heading in this segment. The account, titled "China 20 years later", is of direct interest to those who develop, build or supply battery systems in Brazil, since much of the equipment used in BESS projects originates in the Chinese supply chain.
An agenda dedicated to storage
The central point of the trip was direct contact with industry. Rather than limiting himself to trade shows or institutional presentations, the author visited major battery manufacturers, which makes it possible to observe the processes, scale and strategic priorities of those who dominate global production of cells and systems. The chosen title suggests a long-term view of the country, putting the sector's recent evolution into perspective.
For Brazilian readers, this kind of visit helps separate sales talk from factory reality. Understanding how manufacturers are organizing their lines, which technologies they prioritize and how they see foreign demand is valuable information for those who must make procurement and design decisions with a multi-year horizon.
Why Chinese industry matters for BESS
A battery energy storage system, or BESS, brings together cells, modules, racks, a battery management system, power converters, thermal control and operating software. China concentrates much of this chain, from materials processing to container integration. As a result, strategy shifts in Chinese factories tend to be quickly reflected in the prices, delivery times, warranties and technical specifications offered to buyers in other countries.
When an observer reports on how the Chinese market is evolving, he is in practice describing the conditions that will reach Brazilian projects in the coming procurement cycles. Manufacturers' trajectory influences everything from the choice of battery chemistry to the format of supply and operation and maintenance contracts.
The Brazilian context
Brazil has for some time been discussing how to bring storage into its energy mix, both to provide flexibility to a system with a strong presence of variable renewable sources and to offer capacity and reliability services. Capacity procurement mechanisms, such as capacity reserve auctions, and debates over local content requirements are likely to define how projects will be structured. In this scenario, understanding the dominant supplier is as relevant as following domestic regulation.
What changes in practice for the sector
The trip reported by Greener does not change rules or deadlines, but it reinforces the importance of tracking where the technology comes from. In practice, some points deserve attention:
- Developers: incorporate an understanding of Chinese manufacturers' strategy into feasibility analysis, considering delivery-time risks, warranties and technological evolution over the asset's useful life.
- EPCs: gain detailed knowledge of the integrated systems offered by major manufacturers, since the delivery standard affects assembly, commissioning and interfaces with the substation.
- Manufacturers and integrators: assess where there is room to add value in Brazil, whether in integration, software, services or possible local content requirements.
- BESS suppliers: anticipate customer questions about traceability, proven performance and in-country technical support, topics that gain weight as the market matures.
For those involved in project deployment, watching China closely remains an efficient way to plan storage in Brazil with fewer surprises.
Original source: Greener — A China 20 anos depois