The “Technology + Operations + Capital” Integrated Cooperation Model Leads the Energy Storage Market Transformation

2025-09-04
  1. Market Saturation and Challenges of Single-Product Models

In recent years, the global energy storage market has experienced explosive growth. According to BloombergNEF data, new global energy storage capacity reached 45 gigawatts (GW) in 2023 (equivalent to approximately 97 gigawatt-hours), marking the largest annual increase on record. However, as the market approaches saturation, the single-product sales model struggles to meet diverse market demands. For instance, in China, the cost of turnkey energy storage systems has dropped to $115 per kWh—a 43% year-on-year decrease—signaling intensified price competition.

Moreover, the application scenarios for energy storage systems are expanding from grid frequency regulation and peak-valley balancing to electric vehicle charging. Traditional single-product models can no longer address these multifaceted needs. Consequently, the industry urgently requires exploring new business models to adapt to market shifts.

 

  1. The Rise of Integrated Solutions

Facing market challenges, the energy storage sector is progressively shifting toward providing integrated solutions. This model transcends simple product aggregation, representing a deep integration of technology, operations, and capital. For instance, the Energy Storage as a Service (ESaaS) model has emerged, allowing users to access energy storage services through leasing arrangements without bearing high upfront investment costs.

According to Market.us projections, the global ESaaS market is expected to grow from $2.4 billion in 2023 to $8.6 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6%. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for flexible, scalable energy storage solutions across industrial, commercial, and utility sectors.

 

  1. III. Collaborative Model Integrating Technology, Operations, and Capital

Within the integrated solutions framework, synergistic collaboration among technology, operations, and capital is pivotal. First, technology provides core capabilities for energy storage systems, including efficient Battery Management Systems (BMS), advanced Energy Management Systems (EMS), and intelligent scheduling algorithms. Second, the operational layer manages system deployment, maintenance, and optimization to ensure efficient performance. Finally, capital provides financial backing, particularly during initial stages, helping projects overcome funding constraints.

For instance, Finnish startup Capalo AI’s “virtual power plant” platform uses AI to forecast renewable energy generation and consumption, optimizing battery storage dispatch to enhance profitability. This platform partners with investors like MW Storage under a profit-sharing model to jointly advance project development.

 

  1. Support and Challenges in Capital Markets

Capital plays a pivotal role in energy storage projects. However, such projects typically face challenges of high initial investment and long-term return cycles, making traditional financing models inadequate. Consequently, innovative financing approaches have emerged. For instance, the European Investment Bank (EIB) collaborates with Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to provide “risk debt” financing for startups, helping them overcome the “valley of death” and advance projects smoothly.

Additionally, government policies and incentives significantly drive energy storage project financing. For example, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers a 30% tax credit for residential energy storage systems, substantially lowering the investment barrier for users.

 

  1. Market Transformation

Technological advancements will drive system efficiency gains, operational innovations will reduce costs, and capital support will ensure project implementation. According to BloombergNEF projections, global annual energy storage capacity additions will reach 137 gigawatts by 2030, with the market size expanding to 442 gigawatt-hours. This growth will primarily originate from regions including China, the United States, and Europe.

Throughout this process, the synergistic collaboration of technology, operations, and capital will become the core driving force for industry development. Only through the deep integration of these three elements can the energy storage industry stand out in intense market competition and achieve sustainable development.