Current Status of Domestic Shared Energy Storage: A Deep Dive into China’s Energy Revolution

2020-09-15 07:21

Shared Energy Storage: The New “Airbnb” of China’s Power Grid

Imagine a giant, grid-connected “charging宝” (power bank) that multiple energy providers can rent on demand. That’s the essence of China’s booming domestic shared energy storage sector. As of 2025, shared储能 (chǔ néng, energy storage) projects are reshaping how renewable energy is stored and distributed nationwide. For instance, the 355MW/920MWh shared储能 station in Chengde, the largest of its kind, now acts like a community battery for wind and solar farms[4][8]. But why is this model gaining traction? Let’s unpack the trends, challenges, and real-world examples driving this energy revolution.

From Pilot Projects to Powerhouse: The Rise of Shared Storage

China’s shared储能 market is exploding faster than a lithium battery in a heatwave (don’t worry, safety protocols are in place!). Consider these stats:

54.91% of new energy storage projects in 2023 were shared储能 systems[1]
60.64GW of new shared储能 capacity expected from 2024–2028[1]
Over 15 provinces have rolled out supportive policies, including Shandong’s groundbreaking 2023 model converting dedicated storage to shared systems[3][5]

Take the Datang Minning 100MW/200MWh project in Ningxia. This “构网型储能” (grid-forming storage) pioneer uses cutting-edge tech to stabilize local power supply while earning revenue through multiple channels[5]. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for the grid – multifunctional and always handy!

Four Money-Making Moves for Shared Storage Systems

How do these giant batteries turn a profit? Let’s break down their revenue playbook:

Capacity leasing: Renting out storage space to renewable plants (like office subletting for electrons!)
Ancillary services: Getting paid for grid stabilization – the “yoga instructors” of the power system
Spot market trading: Buying low (when wind blows at night) and selling high (during daytime peaks)
Capacity compensation: Earning subsidies for being on standby – the energy equivalent of a retainer fee

The Huadian Haixi 270MW project in Qinghai, currently China’s largest单体 (single-unit) shared储能 station, leverages all four strategies while surviving -30°C winters[8]. Talk about cold hard cash!

Challenges: Not All Sunshine and Lithium Rays

Despite the hype, shared储能 faces hurdles thicker than a battery’s casing:

Economic viability: Some projects still rely on policy crutches. As expert Wu Junhong notes, “Shared储能’s necessity ties directly to mandatory renewable storage policies”[1]
Market mechanisms: Only 20+ provinces have clear rules for储能 as independent grid participants[3]
Tech diversity: While lithium dominates, innovators like the乾安 100MW全钒液流电池 (vanadium flow battery) project in Jilin prove alternatives work even in extreme cold[9]

Remember the共享单车 (shared bike) bubble? Industry leaders are determined not to repeat that “bike graveyard” scenario. The key lies in smarter policies – like Fujian’s平潭储能 station that doubles as a海上风电 (offshore wind) stabilizer while trading on energy markets[6][10].

The Future: Where Policy Meets Power Electronics

Three trends are electrifying the sector’s roadmap:

Mega projects: National initiatives like the 2027新型电力系统行动方案 are pushing GW-scale deployments[3]
Tech hybridization: Projects like Minning’s 20%构网型 + 80%跟网型 hybrid showcase adaptive solutions[5]
Provincial competition: From Shandong’s market reforms to Yunnan’s独立储能 pilots, regions are racing to innovate[7][9]

As Chen Haoyong from South China University of Technology quips: “Shared储能 is like co-raising a child – everyone chips in, everyone benefits”[2]. With projects now storing enough juice to power 1.5 million homes daily (look up平潭’s 240MWh beast[10]), this “energy babysitting” model might just save our green power future.

[1] 共享储能将迎来快速发展黄金期-同花顺财经 [2] 科技日报:我国共享储能从试点示范走向产业化-华南理工大学新闻网 [3] 观澜 | 独立式共享储能挑战与机遇并存 [4] 共享“充电宝”来了!全国目前规模最大的共享储能机柜在承德... [5] 大唐闽宁共享储能电站项目即将收尾“超级充电宝”让用电更稳当 [6] 福建首个大型集中式共享储能电站顺利送电 [7] 【“三抓三促”看行动】红沙国能民勤县独立共享储能项目运行良好 [8] 中国华电:全国单体容量最大共享储能电站并网发电-手机新浪网 [9] 我国严寒地区百兆瓦级全钒液流电池共享储能电站投产-手机新浪网 [10] 超大“充电宝”来了!我省首个大型集中式共享储能电站全站送电