European Energy has completed the sale of its Jonava renewable energy project in Lithuania to Energix – Renewable Energies. The massive hybrid development features a planned capacity of 470 MW, integrating 140 MW of onshore wind, 330 MWp of solar PV, and 320 MWh of energy storage. Construction is slated to begin shortly with full commercial operations targeted for 2027. This divestment highlights the company’s "develop-and-flip" model, successfully de-risking large-scale, grid-stable assets to recycle capital into its global pipeline of wind and solar projects.

[SMM Lead Morning Meeting Summary: Coexistence of Energy Supply Pressure and Lead Ingot Inventory Buildup May Lead to Continued Price Consolidation] The escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, obstruction of major shipping routes, and expectations for rising transportation costs are anticipated to increase pressure on Europe's energy supply. After the domestic holiday, the lead market has experienced severe inventory buildup...

German energy giant E.ON SE has ramped up its 2026–2030 investment plan to €48 billion, responding to the urgent infrastructure needs of the European energy transition. The updated strategy allocates €40 billion specifically to Energy Networks to accommodate the surge in renewable connections, data centers, and battery storage. After reporting a €3 billion adjusted net profit in 2025, the company aims for €3.8 billion by 2030. This massive capital commitment focuses on modernizing distribution grids and industrial decarbonization, which CFO Nadia Jakobi described as the "deciding factor" for a successful energy transition.

CATL, Schroders Greencoat, and Lochpine Capital, both under Schroders Group in the UK, jointly signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding. The three parties will collaborate to explore and develop battery energy storage projects in Europe and carry out related investment activities. Under the framework of the memorandum, CATL will participate in the cooperation as a battery supplier.

Denmark commissioned a record 1,548 MW of solar capacity in 2025, significantly improving upon the 545 MW added in 2024 and pushing the country's cumulative installed capacity past 6.3 GW. According to Birgitte Eskildsen of the Danish solar association Dansk Solcelleforening, this growth was overwhelmingly driven by utility-scale ground-mounted projects, which accounted for 1.34 GW of the new additions. Notable completions include European Energy's 215 MW solar park in Lolland and the 148 MW Glejbjerg project.

The world's first large-scale commercial e-methanol plant officially commenced operations recently in Aabenraa, Denmark, marking a new phase in the industrial application of e-methanol technology. Siemens Energy provided a 52.5-megawatt (MW) proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for the green hydrogen production process at the plant, which can produce approximately 8,000 mt of green hydrogen annually, serving as the core raw material for e-methanol synthesis. Constructed by European Energy, the plant sources its electricity from the adjacent Kasø Solar Park, while carbon dioxide is captured and supplied by Tønder Biogas. The plant can produce approximately 42,000 mt of e-methanol annually, reducing carbon emissions by about 97% compared to traditional processes. The e-methanol produced will be supplied to Maersk for use in its world's first methanol-powered container ship, the Laura Maersk. It will also be used as a raw material by the LEGO Group to produce some LEGO components. Additionally, Novo Nordisk plans to apply it in chemical production, gradually replacing existing fossil fuel-based methanol. Siemens Energy's PEM electrolyzer technology has been applied in multiple projects. For instance, the company provided key equipment support for BASF's 54-MW electrolyzer project at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany, which is currently the largest single-unit PEM hydrogen production project in operation in Europe. Meanwhile, Siemens Energy is also advancing three 100-MW-class water electrolysis projects for hydrogen production, committed to laying a solid foundation for the large-scale application of green hydrogen energy.

Since May, 11 leading Chinese PV enterprises, including LONGi Green Energy Technology, JA Solar Technology {{PV}}, Tongwei Co., Ltd., Chint New Energy, AIKO Solar, Hoshine Silicon Industry, GCL SI, Gokin Solar, and Seraphim {{PV company}}, have signed a series of overseas PV projects. According to incomplete statistics from Polaris Power Network, the orders cover countries and regions such as Australia, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Zambia, Peru, and the UAE.

At the 2025 SMM Zero Carbon Path - PV and Energy Storage Summit hosted by SMM, SMM energy storage analyst Weijun Li shared insights on the topic "Opportunities and Challenges in the Global Energy Storage Market." He stated that, according to SMM forecasts, from 2025 to 2030, as global energy storage plans are completed, the energy storage market will shift from an incremental market to a stock market. The global energy storage market's growth rate from 2025 to 2030 is expected to be approximately 10%, with global energy storage demand potentially reaching around 477 GWh by 2030. Global Energy Storage System Demand Forecast Differences in Energy Transition Needs and Policies Across Countries From 2024 to 2025, due to policy adjustments, the US global energy storage market's shipment demand is expected to decline, while other markets will maintain high growth rates. In China, the government's cancellation of the "mandatory energy storage allocation on the generation side" policy has led to a transformation in energy storage market demand, with short-term demand expected to decline. In the US, multiple tariff hikes have increased the cost of energy storage equipment, undermining project economic viability, and many energy storage projects may be delayed or canceled. Other regions will continue to maintain high growth rates to accommodate new energy generation and support the power grid. From 2025 to 2030, as global energy storage plans are completed, the energy storage market will shift from an incremental market to a stock market. SMM forecasts that the global energy storage market's growth rate from 2025 to 2030 will be approximately 10%, with global energy storage demand potentially reaching around 477 GWh by 2030. From 2025 to 2030, the global energy storage market will transition to a stock phase, with most regions having completed energy storage planning. Policy subsidies will gradually decrease, but the continued decline in PV and battery energy storage system costs will sustain high economic viability, driving growth. China's power market upgrade has been successfully completed, and demand will continue to maintain high growth. The US market will still have demand for energy storage, and energy storage is expected to maintain high growth rates once policies stabilize. Impact of Policy Fluctuations on China's Energy Storage Market China's Energy Storage Battery Demand Forecast (2024–2030) From 2024 to 2025, SMM forecasts that the cancellation of the "mandatory energy storage on the generation side" policy under Policy No. 136 will lead to energy storage demand being primarily driven by the power market in the short term, with energy storage demand potentially pulling back. From 2025 to 2028, the penetration rate of energy storage in multiple application scenarios will gradually increase. Combined with the improvement of the new energy power trading market mechanism, China's battery energy storage system demand is expected to achieve an annual growth rate of 8% over the next three years. Outlook for the Key Period from 2028 to 2030: Driven by the carbon peak target, China's energy storage industry will enter a significant growth cycle, with an average annual compound growth rate expected to reach 11%. With the accelerated large-scale development of PV, cumulative installed capacity is expected to exceed 1,200 GW by 2030, which will simultaneously generate over 80 GW/160 GWh of new-type energy storage demand, opening up a trillion-yuan market space. Comments and Outlook on China's Energy Storage Market SMM forecasts that from 2024 to 2025, the annual shipment volume of grid-side energy storage may decline by approximately 15%, while the annual shipment volume of industrial and commercial energy storage may increase by approximately 50%, and household energy storage shipments may increase by approximately 7%. China's grid energy storage demand fluctuates with policy changes. Policy No. 136 cancels "mandatory energy storage on the generation side." Each province has formulated policies based on Policy No. 136 and their local conditions. Some provinces continue to implement mandatory energy storage allocation, while others have ceased mandatory energy storage allocation. Most provinces and municipalities are still in the process of policy formulation, and demand remains unclear. By province: Yunnan Province: New projects and the requirement to continue implementing mandatory storage allocation policies account for 10%. Guizhou: Wind and solar projects must allocate at least 10% of installed capacity for energy storage lasting two hours, while delayed grid connection projects may face even higher energy storage allocation ratios (up to 30%). Inner Mongolia: Power stations in this region are uniformly classified as standalone energy storage power stations. A capacity subsidy of $0.35 per kWh is provided, with a compensation period of up to 10 years. Industrial and commercial energy storage will become the main source of demand growth in China's energy storage market. As the peak-valley electricity price spread continues to widen, the economic benefits of industrial and commercial energy storage are becoming increasingly evident. According to the 2024 electricity price adjustment data released by various provinces, the peak-valley electricity price spread has continued to widen in multiple provinces and cities, with 16 provinces and cities already reaching a peak-valley electricity price spread of over 0.7 yuan per kWh. By 2030, the demand for industrial and commercial energy storage is expected to reach approximately 30 GWh. Factors Affecting Energy Storage Market Demand in the US North American Energy Storage Battery Demand Forecast (2024–2030) From 2024 to 2025, interstate power dispatch difficulties in the US and high pressure on intra-state new energy generation consumption will result in a high proportion of long duration energy storage demand. To maintain its advantage in new energy manufacturing, the US has imposed multiple tariff hikes in the short term, compressing and delaying energy storage demand. From 2025 to 2028, the IRA and ITC tax credit policies significantly stimulated demand between 2022 and 2025. However, as the market gradually absorbs the policy dividends and the impact of tariff hikes, growth rates are slowing. From 2028 to 2030, phased energy storage capacity installation targets set by various states, coupled with increased grid upgrade investments, will support larger-scale energy storage integration, with the energy storage market growing at a high rate of 15% during the recovery period. Review and Outlook of the North American Energy Storage Market (Grid/Industrial and Commercial/Residential) SMM forecasts that from 2024 to 2028, the growth rate of grid-side energy storage demand in North America may decline by approximately 5%, while the growth rate of industrial and commercial energy storage demand may reach approximately 130%, and residential energy storage may maintain a growth rate of approximately 8%. Excessive tariffs will increase investment costs for US owners, reduce profitability for Chinese suppliers, and lead to a decline in US energy storage demand. 2025 Tariffs: - In February, the first 10% tariff hike on Chinese products affected the delivery of energy storage batteries and battery energy storage systems, as well as signed orders. - In March, a second 10% tariff hike on Chinese products brought the cumulative tariff increase to 20%, further impacting the delivery of energy storage batteries and battery energy storage systems, as well as future orders, and slowing overall shipment speeds. It is expected that US owners and Chinese suppliers will each bear half of the additional tariffs, which will become the mainstream scenario. - In April, reciprocal tariffs (34%) and a third tariff hike (50%) were signed. The tariff increase policy has created extremely high trade barriers for US energy storage imports, severely compressing demand for US battery energy storage systems. 2026 Tariffs: - The "Section 301" Act is expected to be implemented as planned in early 2026, with Section 301 tariffs increasing to 25% upon implementation. ITC Subsidy Policy Extended to Promote Residential Energy Storage Demand The ITC residential subsidy has been extended to 2034, enhancing the economic viability of residential energy storage. User-side energy storage will maintain a stable growth rate. • Residential Electricity Prices: In recent years, US residential electricity prices have remained high, increasing from 12.55¢ per kWh in 2016 to 15.96¢ per kWh in 2024, a 27.2% increase. High electricity prices have driven demand for residential "PV + energy storage." • ITC Policy: The ITC subsidy policy increased the subsidy ratio for residential energy storage in 2023 and extended it to 2034. This policy has enhanced the economic benefits of residential energy storage. • Power Outage Risks: Aging US grid equipment makes power outages highly likely during peak usage periods. When summer temperatures soar, two-thirds of North America faces the risk of energy shortages. Therefore, as the penetration rate of new energy increases, residential energy storage, as a rigid demand, will also increase. Changes in Energy Storage Market Demand in Europe European Energy Storage Battery Demand Forecast (2024–2030) From 2024 to 2025, led by the UK and Italy, the European grid energy storage market is expected to achieve a breakthrough in scale by 2025, with new demand projected to reach 28.5 GWh. From 2025 to 2028, EU member states will accelerate the phase-out of coal power. Emerging countries such as Belgium and Spain are gradually implementing large-scale grid energy storage projects, enhancing economic benefits through capacity market transactions and ancillary services arbitrage. Energy storage will maintain high growth rates. From 2028 to 2030, to achieve the goal of renewable energy accounting for 45% by 2030, energy storage has become a core tool for balancing the volatility of wind and solar energy. Additionally, the EU's carbon tariff policy is forcing the industry chain to transition to green practices, requiring enterprises to adapt to carbon footprint accounting standards. Energy storage demand will maintain rapid growth. Review and Outlook of the European Energy Storage Market (Grid/Industrial and Commercial/Residential) From 2024 to 2028, the growth rate of grid-side energy storage demand in Europe is expected to reach approximately 29%, while the growth rate of industrial and commercial energy storage demand may reach as high as 100%, and residential energy storage demand may grow by approximately 15%. The European grid energy storage system is taking shape, and planning in multiple countries will drive future incremental growth. According to SMM analysis, energy transition, volatile electricity prices, and policy incentives are driving large-scale grid energy storage in Europe into the fast lane. Energy Structure: Over the past five years, the proportion of renewable energy in Europe has increased from 20% to 47%. While new energy generation has brought electricity, it has also increased the load on the grid, driving demand for grid energy storage to ensure stable power generation and transmission. Energy Imports: Benefiting from Europe's new energy policies, the rapid growth of new energy generation and storage has reduced Europe's reliance on energy imports. Compared to 2021, energy imports in 2024 have decreased by 9.2%. Policy Incentives: Led by the UK, Germany, Spain, and Poland, countries have introduced incentive policies to promote the development of the energy storage industry, including government subsidies, peak compensation, and frequency regulation compensation. Policy Incentives for Energy Storage Market Demand in the Middle East Middle Eastern Energy Storage Battery Demand Forecast (2024–2030) From 2024 to 2025, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have set ambitious energy targets. Combined with weak grid infrastructure, energy storage demand is surging. From 2025 to 2028, after the concentrated delivery of large-scale grid energy storage projects in Saudi Arabia, demand growth will naturally decline, and the market will enter a digestion phase, with energy storage demand maintaining a compound annual growth rate of 9%. From 2028 to 2030, new energy storage demand in major Middle Eastern countries will shift to inventory optimization and upgrades. Incremental space will shrink, with grid energy storage installations accounting for over 70%, and the market will approach saturation, relying on small- and medium-sized projects or user-side penetration for growth. Review and Outlook of the Middle Eastern Energy Storage Market (Grid/Industrial and Commercial/Residential) SMM forecasts that from 2024 to 2028, the growth rate of grid-side energy storage demand in the Middle East is expected to be approximately 90%, while the growth rates of industrial and commercial energy storage and household energy storage demand may be around 3%. Click to view the special report on the 2025 SMM Zero Carbon Path - PV and Energy Storage Summit

On April 16, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo—Alumina and Aluminum Raw Materials Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., SMM Metal Trading Center, and Shandong Aisi Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Service Co., Ltd., Zhou Chu, Senior Technical Manager of the Green and Low-Carbon Development Center of Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd., shared insights on how to achieve sustainable development and enhance corporate competitiveness through ASI certification. Current Global ASI Certification Development Status: - A total of 220 ASI audits were completed in 2024 (an 8% increase from 2023), covering 61 countries. - ASI issued 73 certification certificates, including 51 Performance Standards (PS) and 22 Chain of Custody Standards (CoC). - 62 re-certification certificates were issued, including 40 PS re-certifications and 22 CoC re-certifications. - As of January 10, 2025, a total of 181 ASI Performance certificates have been issued globally, with 69 in China. Additionally, 73 CoC certificates have been issued, with 37 in China. 01 Industry Status: 1.1 Current Status of Aluminum Reserves and Production: By the end of 2023, global bauxite reserves were estimated to exceed 30 billion mt, most of which remain untapped. 1.2 Current Global Market Demand for Aluminum: ► Factors Influencing Global Aluminum Market Demand Over the Past Decade: 2015: Rising demand from China's infrastructure and automotive lightweighting; 2016: Declining demand in China due to stricter property market regulations; 2017: Aluminum prices rebounded in China due to environmental protection and capacity reduction policies; 2018: US-China trade friction and tariff increases hindered Chinese exports, but demand from infrastructure and NEVs remained stable; 2019: Global economic slowdown and manufacturing downturn led to peak demand in China; 2020: Demand in the new energy sector surged against the trend; 2021: Global monetary easing and EV demand explosion; 2022: European energy crisis suppressed demand, and China's real estate market declined; 2023: Global PV and NEV boom, and China's old community renovations boosted demand; 2024: Increased PV installations and NEV penetration, and upgrades to aging power grids. In summary, the shift from "building houses and cars" to "manufacturing solar panels and EVs" has made environmental protection policies and energy transition the core drivers, with Chinese demand remaining a barometer for the global aluminum market. ► Divergence in Global Aluminum Market Demand: The demand share from China, Europe, the US, Southeast Asia, and India was discussed. ► Changes in Demand Structure: Emerging Sectors Rise, Traditional Sectors Transform: The rise of emerging sectors: In 2023, PV accounted for 11.4% of global aluminum usage, becoming the fastest-growing sector. EVs use 30%-50% more aluminum per vehicle than traditional cars, and global EV penetration reached 18% in 2024, driving growth in transportation aluminum. Traditional sectors are actively transforming: China's building renovation and renewal supported aluminum market growth, with construction aluminum accounting for 25% of usage in 2023. Additionally, the recovery in aluminum can demand in the packaging industry saw global aluminum can usage return to growth in 2024. ► Future Trends and Challenges: Growth drivers: By 2030, PV, EVs, and grid upgrades are expected to add over 7 million mt of aluminum demand (source: Rusal forecast report). China's "North Aluminum Southward Shift" and capacity expansion in Indonesia will reshape the global supply chain. Risk factors: Energy cost volatility (e.g., European natural gas prices), trade friction (e.g., Rusal sanctions affecting global circulation), and the rise in secondary aluminum production (14 million mt globally in 2023), though primary aluminum still dominates. On March 11, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Natural Resources jointly issued the "High-Quality Development Implementation Plan for the Aluminum Industry (2025-2027)," which aims to promote high-quality development in the aluminum industry. Many measures align with ASI certification principles, providing strong support for companies pursuing ASI certification. ASI certification focuses on the sustainability of responsible aluminum production, procurement, and management, emphasizing best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. 02 Why ASI Certification Matters: 2.1 What is ASI Certification? The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI): A global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit organization that creates and promotes sustainability standards for responsible aluminum production, procurement, and management. ASI certification is a third-party independent verification process that ensures the entire aluminum value chain—from mining to end products—complies with best practices in environmental, social, and governance (ESG). 2.2 ASI Certification Standards: ► ASI certification offers two voluntary standards for applicants: ASI Performance Standard (PS) and ASI Chain of Custody Standard (CoC). Performance Standard: Aims to ensure sustainability in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects throughout the aluminum production and supply chain, covering bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production, semi-finished product manufacturing, and aluminum product recycling. Chain of Custody Standard: Ensures traceability of aluminum materials from production to end products, guaranteeing that consumer products originate from responsible production processes compliant with ASI Performance Standards. It is a voluntary certification for ASI members, with responsible procurement policies, anti-corruption, human rights due diligence, and conflict-affected and high-risk areas aligned with the Performance Standard. 2.3 Why Companies Need ASI Certification: Relevant cases were cited, and it was noted that companies not implementing ASI certification and failing to adopt sustainable development measures may face the following adverse effects: - High probability of affecting international market participation: Major global clients (e.g., automotive, aviation, construction) often require suppliers to have ASI certification, and uncertified companies may be excluded from these markets. - Increased compliance risks: Stricter environmental regulations and trade barriers may lead to high fines, lawsuits, and supply chain disruptions for uncertified companies. - Negative impact on brand reputation: Public and consumer focus on corporate environmental responsibility may lead to a trust crisis and damage brand image for uncertified companies. 03 How to Apply for ASI Certification: 3.1 ASI Membership Types: Becoming an ASI member is the first step to pursuing ASI certification! 3.2 ASI Certification Process: 3.3 Key Factors for Successful Certification: ► Management support: Management's support plays a central role in the certification process, requiring strategic integration of ASI certification into corporate planning. ► System construction: Establishing an ESG system compliant with ASI standards is critical. Only a comprehensive and compliant ESG system can meet certification requirements. ► Data management: Accurate and compliant data management is essential for certification. Comprehensive energy and carbon monitoring, data collection, analysis, and records effectively demonstrate a company's efforts and achievements in sustainability during audits. ► Supply chain collaboration: Sustainable raw material extraction and transportation upstream, and sustainable product use and recycling downstream, jointly setting and executing sustainability goals, sharing experiences and resources, and enhancing corporate competitiveness and overall supply chain sustainability. Additionally, an overview and qualifications of Zhongbiao Hexin (Beijing) Certification Co., Ltd. were introduced, along with how it supports companies. Summary and Call to Action: ASI Certification = Corporate Sustainability + Competitiveness Enhancement Act early to seize market opportunities! Click to view the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Industry Conference and Aluminum Industry Expo special report.

On March 24, Dajin Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. released an announcement titled "Regarding the Signing of a Contract for the Manufacturing, Supply, and Transportation of Monopile Foundations for an Offshore Wind Farm in Europe." The announcement disclosed that recently, Penglai Dajin Offshore Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dajin Heavy Industry, signed a "Contract for the Manufacturing, Supply, and Transportation of Monopile Foundations" with a European energy company. Penglai Dajin will provide super-large monopile products for an offshore wind project in Europe. The total contract amount is approximately $135 million (equivalent to about 986 million yuan), accounting for about 22.80% of the company's audited operating revenue in 2023.