Yichang builds full energy storage industry chain
2026-05-26 18:05:51
By Gao Qing
Driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals, Yichang is leveraging its rich phosphate resources and strong chemical industry foundation to accelerate the development of a complete energy storage industry chain spanning key materials, green manufacturing, and recycling.
In recent years, Yichang has leveraged its over 4 billion tons of phosphate reserves (15 percent of China's total) to shift from traditional fertilizer production to new energy battery materials. The city has mastered ultra-high compaction lithium iron phosphate technologies and supplies leading companies including BYD and CALB.
Leading enterprises like Xingfa Group have built a full industry chain from phosphate rock to lithium iron phosphate, while CORNEX’s daily output has reached 300,000 battery cells thanks to its smart controls, and Brunp’s directional recycling technology can recover critical metals from spent batteries. To reduce reliance on imported lithium, Yichang is also proactively developing sodium-ion battery technology.
Driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals, Yichang is leveraging its rich phosphate resources and strong chemical industry foundation to accelerate the development of a complete energy storage industry chain spanning key materials, green manufacturing, and recycling.
In recent years, Yichang has leveraged its over 4 billion tons of phosphate reserves (15 percent of China's total) to shift from traditional fertilizer production to new energy battery materials. The city has mastered ultra-high compaction lithium iron phosphate technologies and supplies leading companies including BYD and CALB.
Leading enterprises like Xingfa Group have built a full industry chain from phosphate rock to lithium iron phosphate, while CORNEX’s daily output has reached 300,000 battery cells thanks to its smart controls, and Brunp’s directional recycling technology can recover critical metals from spent batteries. To reduce reliance on imported lithium, Yichang is also proactively developing sodium-ion battery technology.
The Changyang New Energy Storage Station, the first large-scale grid-side vanadium redox flow battery project, complements the Qing River pumped hydroelectric power storage station, forming a "Pumped Storage + Electrochemical Storage" hybrid system. Photo by Huang Xiang.
The integration of the industrial and technology chains has facilitated the comprehensive deployment of energy storage applications across Yichang. In Changyang, a 560-million-yuan (US$82.11 million) all-vanadium redox flow battery project, the first of its kind in western Hubei, provides grid stability by storing power during low-demand hours and discharging at peak times, effectively serving as a giant "power bank" for the regional grid.
On the user side, industrial plants such as Dangyang Huaqiang Chemical are using battery systems to lower electricity costs through peak-valley pricing mechanisms. On the G42 Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, a 600kWh storage station integrated with rooftop solar panels provides round-the-clock clean power for tunnels and toll stations.
CORNEX rolls out its next-generation 588Ah high-capacity storage cells in Yichang, setting an industry benchmark with 96.5 percent efficiency and a cycle life exceeding 12,000 cycles. Photo by Fu Beibei.
Leveraging its full-chain advantages, Yichang's energy storage sector is accelerating its global expansion. CORNEX New Energy, a local battery manufacturer, obtained key certifications in North America and Europe. In 2025, its output exceeded 10 billion yuan, with exports surpassing 524 million yuan to more than 60 countries and regions. The second phase of its Yichang project was completed in just 199 days, and a 1,020-megawatt-hour "super power bank" was shipped to Bulgaria, enough to power 100,000 households for a day. From the banks of the Yangtze River, Yichang is rapidly emerging as a global supplier of green energy storage products, powering the world's low-carbon transition.
