China's Seven Ministries Release 15th Five-Year Plan Backing Flow Batteries and LDES

Strategic Support for Next-Generation Batteries

China has reinforced its commitment to advancing advanced energy storage technologies with the release of the 15th Five-Year Plan for the new battery industry. Jointly issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and six other departments, the comprehensive policy document outlines a strategic roadmap for the sector's development through the end of the decade.

Promoting Flow Battery Technologies

A key highlight of the new plan is the explicit support for diverse battery chemistries beyond traditional lithium-ion. The policy proposes building a new battery product supply system led by lithium batteries but developed in synergy with sodium-ion and flow batteries. Specifically, the plan mandates the research and development of high-conversion-efficiency flow batteries, signaling strong governmental backing for vanadium, iron-chromium, and other flow technologies.

Focus on Long-Duration Energy Storage

Addressing the critical needs of the new power system, the plan clearly states the necessity of developing long-life and high-safety energy storage batteries tailored for long-duration energy storage (LDES) requirements. As the penetration of renewable energy increases, the grid requires multi-day and seasonal storage solutions to maintain stability and prevent curtailment. Furthermore, the emphasis on high-safety profiles aligns with the growing need for utility-scale installations situated closer to population centers, where thermal runaway risks associated with other chemistries are a primary concern.

The inclusion of flow batteries and LDES in the 15th Five-Year Plan provides a clear, long-term policy signal that will accelerate domestic manufacturing and deployment of non-lithium storage technologies.

This policy alignment is expected to drive significant capital investment into Chinese flow battery manufacturers, further solidifying the country's position as a global leader in the LDES supply chain. It also encourages international partnerships to scale up production capacities and reduce overall system costs.

This article was assisted by AI analysis. Please refer to the original source for official information.