URGENT UPDATE: Major Chinese energy storage companies, including CATL, Cornex, and Tianneng Group, have just announced a series of multi-GWh international agreements that could reshape the global energy landscape. These developments signal China’s aggressive push into international energy storage markets as the industry kicks off in 2026.
In a landmark move, Cornex has secured a strategic energy storage agreement in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, partnering with local enterprises to bolster its presence in the Middle Eastern energy sector. Over the next three years, Cornex will supply 5.5 GWh of energy storage products, marking a significant step in local manufacturing and project development.
Industry leader CATL has also made headlines by teaming up with Schroders Greencoat and Lochpine Capital in a groundbreaking agreement focused on developing energy storage projects across Europe. This partnership aims to establish a battery storage investment platform with a long-term target capacity of up to 10 GWh, promising a complete ecosystem that integrates technology, capital, and project development.
“This partnership will leverage our strengths in battery technology and renewable energy infrastructure to create a sustainable energy future,” said James Wang, Chief Investment Officer of CATL.
In another significant collaboration, Tianneng Group has partnered with VCI Global Limited to develop a 1 GWh PV-plus-storage power plant in Malacca, Malaysia. This initiative aims to construct a benchmark green energy project in Southeast Asia, integrating photovoltaic and storage capabilities to deliver reliable, zero-carbon power.
Zhiguang Electric has also recently signed contracts for three PV-storage-diesel microgrid projects with Vinmart Group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These projects, located in major mining regions, will utilize Zhiguang’s advanced energy storage systems to provide stable power solutions for essential mining operations.
The containerized energy storage systems are designed for rapid deployment and seamless integration with existing power generation infrastructures, addressing the complex energy supply challenges faced by the DRC’s mining sector.
Meanwhile, SolaX has entered the Australian market through a cooperation agreement with Raystech Group Pty Ltd. Under this agreement, Raystech will act as the exclusive general agent for SolaX’s residential energy storage products, committing to a procurement volume of no less than 1 GWh for the year 2026.
These strategic agreements underscore China’s commitment to expanding its influence in the energy storage industry, leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and technological advancements to meet growing global demand. As these projects unfold, the international energy landscape is poised for significant transformation.
What to watch next: Keep an eye on further developments from these partnerships and their impact on local energy markets. The coming months will be crucial as these agreements progress and begin to reshape energy production and storage capabilities around the globe.
