U.S. Adds Battery Energy Storage Systems to Grid Control List, Prompting Chinese Firms to Rethink Global Strategies

Recently, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency for the country’s “bulk-power system,” citing national security concerns. The order prohibits the domestic procurement or installation of certain foreign-made bulk-power system equipment and software, marking the first time battery energy storage systems have been included on the federal government’s critical grid control list. The executive order specifically names multiple energy storage-related devices, with review scope covering entire units as well as key components, granting the U.S. government expanded authority to determine whether such products can be imported, deployed, or operated. The executive order currently serves as a framework document—it does not explicitly name battery cells nor impose a blanket ban on Chinese energy storage products. Specific implementation rules will be developed by the U.S. Department of Energy within 120 days. Most U.S. stationary energy storage projects rely heavily on Chinese equipment, and short-term deployment schedules for grid-connected storage projects could be disrupted. Projects with signed contracts but not yet installed may face delays, while those that haven’t finalized suppliers will need to seek alternative sources. Additionally, compliance requirements for Chinese energy storage equipment already operating in the U.S. remain unclear. Against this backdrop, Chinese energy storage companies are adjusting their overseas market strategies. In the first half of 2024, nearly 40% of Chinese firms’ overseas energy storage orders came from the European market; the Middle East has entered a period of rapid growth, with surging demand for energy storage integration; and although Southeast Asia remains highly competitive, it offers significant room for growth. Chinese companies are increasingly redirecting resources toward Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, while leveraging China’s emerging domestic energy storage market as a strategic foundation.