CATL ESS Battery Shipments Lead Global Market as First Half 2026 Demand Surges

The global energy storage system (ESS) battery market recorded exceptional expansion during the first half of 2026, with worldwide lithium-ion battery ESS shipments climbing 71% year-on-year to 461.3 GWh, according to South Korean research firm SNE Research. Despite maintaining its position as the world's largest regional market, China accounted for a smaller share of global demand as rapid deployment accelerated across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. The changing regional balance reflects growing investment in renewable energy integration, grid stability and large-scale storage infrastructure.

CATL strengthens global leadership in ESS batteries

CATL remained the world's largest ESS battery supplier during the first half of 2026 after shipping 125.0 GWh, representing an 81% year-on-year increase. The company's global market share improved to 27.1%, up from 25.6% in the corresponding period last year. Its performance outpaced overall industry growth, reinforcing its leadership as utilities and developers continued expanding grid-scale energy storage installations across major international markets.

Eve Energy secured second position with shipments of 48.0 GWh, increasing 69% year-on-year to capture a 10.4% market share. Hithium ranked third with 46.2 GWh and a 10.0% share, while BYD placed fourth after shipping 35.7 GWh, representing 7.7% of the global market. CALB and Rept Battero Energy each delivered approximately 31.5 GWh, followed closely by Cornex with 30.2 GWh, highlighting increasingly intense competition among mid-tier suppliers.

Leading ESS battery suppliers in H1 2026

Chinese suppliers maintain dominance

All seven leading ESS battery suppliers originated from China, with the combined market share of the top three increasing to 47.5% from 45.8% a year earlier. However, competition among the next group of manufacturers tightened considerably, as shipments between the fifth- and seventh-ranked companies differed by only about 1 GWh. Gotion High-tech shipped 20.8 GWh, growing 41% year-on-year but losing one percentage point of market share, while Great Power expanded 202% to 20.5 GWh, raising its market share to 4.4%.

South Korean suppliers post mixed performance

South Korean manufacturers recorded contrasting results during the reporting period. LG Energy Solution achieved the fastest growth among major suppliers, shipping 12.0 GWh globally, an increase of 357% year-on-year, which lifted its market share to 2.6%. The company delivered 6.7 GWh during the second quarter alone, more than six times the volume recorded a year earlier. Samsung SDI shipped 6.4 GWh, representing 20% annual growth, although its market share declined to 1.4%. Together, the two companies accounted for 4.0% of global ESS battery shipments.

Regional demand shifts beyond China

China remained the largest individual regional market with ESS battery shipments totaling 202.5 GWh, representing annual growth of 49%. However, its share of global demand declined to 43.9% from 50.5% in the previous year. Combined shipments across North America, Europe and other international markets reached 258.7 GWh, equivalent to 56% of worldwide shipments and surpassing China for the first time. Other international regions expanded 119% year-on-year to 110.1 GWh, primarily supported by large-scale projects in the Middle East and Australia. North America recorded 75.9 GWh while Europe reached 72.7 GWh.

North America becomes a strategic growth market

Regional performance highlighted a notable shift toward North America. CATL retained first place with 29.5 GWh and a 38.8% market share. Hithium delivered 13.1 GWh, increasing 140% year-on-year to secure a 17.2% share. LG Energy Solution ranked third after shipping 10.3 GWh, with 86% of its worldwide ESS shipments originating from North America and 95% of those volumes serving grid applications. Samsung SDI also increased regional shipments by 16% while supplying 1.6 GWh for AI data centers, although its market share declined to 6.1%. Combined, the two South Korean companies increased their North American share to 19.7%.

Grid storage remains the largest application

Grid-scale energy storage continued to dominate global ESS demand, accounting for 347.0 GWh or 75.2% of total shipments after growing 69% year-on-year. CATL held roughly 30% of this segment, followed by Hithium, Eve Energy, BYD and CALB. Residential storage recorded the fastest expansion, with shipments increasing 128% to 47.7 GWh and market share rising to 10.3%, reaching double digits for the first time. Rept Battero Energy led residential deployments with a 32% share, followed by Eve Energy and Great Power. Commercial and industrial ESS shipments reached 39.6 GWh, up 59%, where CATL maintained leadership with a 35% share.

Supply chain and AI infrastructure reshape procurement

SNE Research noted that tighter tariffs and supply chain regulations affecting Chinese-made batteries in North America and Europe are prompting customers to prioritize supply chain resilience, local manufacturing capability and regulatory compliance alongside pricing. The research firm also highlighted that rapid expansion of AI data centers and increasing renewable electricity generation are driving stronger demand for grid-stabilizing ESS projects. As customers secure battery volumes earlier to avoid shortages, supply availability for certain products and projects is tightening across the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did global ESS battery shipments grow significantly during the first half of 2026?
Global ESS battery shipments increased because utilities, renewable energy developers and infrastructure operators accelerated investments in grid-scale storage, residential systems and commercial installations. Rapid deployment of renewable energy, expanding AI data centers, higher electricity demand and efforts to strengthen grid reliability supported market growth. Large energy storage projects in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia also contributed to worldwide shipments exceeding China's regional demand for the first time.

Why is CATL maintaining its leadership in the global ESS battery market?
CATL maintained its leading position by expanding shipments faster than the overall market while strengthening its presence across major grid-scale energy storage projects worldwide. The company achieved 125.0 GWh of shipments during the first half of 2026, increasing its global market share to 27.1%. Its broad product portfolio, manufacturing scale and participation in international utility projects continue supporting its leadership despite intensifying competition from other battery manufacturers.