China vows to increase capacities of power storage batteries

China vowed to further increase supply capacity of photovoltaics and power storage batteries through technology innovation, according to a guideline released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and five other departments, on Tuesday.

The move was part of the country’s efforts to promote the development of energy electronics — a field that focuses on studies of electronic technologies that can contribute to energy production, storage, transportation, saving and utilization.

The guideline proposed to accelerate technology advancement in smart photovoltaic systems, develop technologies needed for high-purity silicon materials and large-size silicon wafers, and promote the research and development of technology innovation for a more efficient power storage battery manufacturing process with lower production costs.

Smart PV refers to a system that integrates digital and internet technologies with solar technology for optimized power generation, operation and maintenance.

The guideline also said to strengthen the ability to make technical breakthroughs and innovations for the development of new types of power storage batteries such as sodium-ion batteries, and promote their applications in a wider range of scenarios.