As the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers rapidly increases, particularly in the United States, global shipments of batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) surged over 70% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
According to global market research firm SNE Research and industry sources, worldwide ESS battery shipments totaled 461GWh in the first half of this year, up from 270GWh during the same timeframe last year, marking a 71% increase.
Shipments are expected to rise to 1,150GWh next year, surpassing the 1,000GWh mark for the first time. By 2035, shipments are projected to double to 1,870GWh, compared to this year's forecast of 984GWh.
With domestic companies expanding investments in prismatic batteries, the ESS battery shipments are anticipated to exceed 1,000GWh for the first time next year. In terms of battery form factors, prismatic cells are expected to significantly outpace pouch and cylindrical cells, driving market growth.
In the global ESS market, prismatic batteries are projected to account for 94% of the market this year, slightly decreasing to 92% next year. However, they are expected to rebound starting in 2028, reaching 97% by 2035.
Among South Korea's top three battery manufacturers, Samsung SDI has been focusing on prismatic battery production since 2009. LG Energy Solution and SK On, which have primarily developed pouch-type batteries, are also accelerating their expansion into prismatic batteries.
The high market share of prismatic batteries in the ESS sector is attributed to their advantages in performance and safety compared to pouch and cylindrical batteries.
While pouch batteries offer high energy density and excellent space utilization, they use thin film casings that lack rigidity. As cell sizes increase, the burden on safety mechanisms also grows. Cylindrical batteries face limitations in scaling up due to difficulties in dissipating heat generated within larger cells.
In contrast, prismatic batteries utilize sturdy aluminum cans that enhance cell rigidity, improving safety without the need for additional reinforcement. They also allow for easier scaling of cell sizes to meet required capacities.
An industry insider noted, "The ESS market is clearly trending towards growth centered on prismatic batteries, which are advantageous for safety and scalability. Domestic companies are expected to strengthen their competitiveness in prismatic products and local production capabilities to target the global ESS market, including North America."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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