- Global energy storage cell shipments reached 205.52 GWh in Q1 2026, rising 98.7% year on year.
- Utility scale storage remained the dominant growth driver, while residential storage recorded nearly 299% year on year growth.
- InfoLink Consulting has raised its 2026 global energy storage cell shipment forecast to 897 GWh amid continued market expansion.
Global energy storage cell shipments reached 205.52 GWh in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 98.7% increase compared with the same period last year and a 1.62% rise from the previous quarter, according to the latest Global Energy Storage Supply Chain Database released by InfoLink Consulting.
The strong performance was driven by sustained demand from utility scale and residential energy storage markets, reinforcing expectations of continued growth across the global storage sector.
InfoLink reported that industry concentration continued to decline during the quarter, with the top ten manufacturers accounting for 85.2% of total shipments. The trend points to intensifying competition as new players gain market share in a rapidly expanding market.
The leading energy storage cell suppliers in Q1 2026 were CATL, Hithium, EVE Energy, BYD and CALB. Together, the top five companies accounted for nearly 58.9% of global shipments.
A notable development during the quarter was the emergence of Cornex among the industry’s leading suppliers, breaking a top six market structure that had remained unchanged for more than a year. InfoLink noted that further ranking changes could occur as manufacturers continue expanding production capacity and increasing shipments.
The report also highlighted the growing role of South Korean battery manufacturers in the energy storage market. LG Energy Solution has accelerated its transition from electric vehicle batteries to energy storage applications, supported by the conversion of several North American battery plants to energy storage production. The company has steadily increased its market share since the second quarter of 2025 and is expected to return to the global top ten by the third quarter of 2026.
The utility scale storage segment remained the largest contributor to overall demand, with shipments reaching 178.27 GWh during the quarter. This represented growth of 84.54% year on year, although shipments declined slightly by 3.47% compared with the previous quarter.
Within the utility scale market, CATL, Hithium, BYD, EVE Energy and CALB maintained the top five positions. BYD’s return to the top three represented the most significant ranking change during the quarter.
Technology trends also continued to evolve. Battery cells with capacities above 500 Ah achieved nearly 5% market penetration in Q1 2026, with penetration expected to approach 20% by year end. Leading manufacturers are advancing large format cell production more aggressively, while smaller producers remain cautious, focusing on upgrades to existing 314 Ah production lines and selective capacity additions.
The residential and small scale storage segment recorded even stronger growth. Global shipments reached 27.25 GWh in Q1 2026, increasing by 298.98% year on year and 55.27% quarter on quarter.
EVE Energy retained its leadership position in the segment, followed by REPT BATTERO and Great Power in joint second place. Cornex also entered the top five residential storage suppliers for the first time.
InfoLink noted that competition in the residential storage market is expected to remain dynamic throughout 2026. EVE Energy, REPT BATTERO and Great Power, collectively referred to as the Emerging Residential Storage Giants, benefit from extensive distribution networks and strong manufacturing capabilities, positioning them as key players in the fast growing segment.
While 100 Ah cells remain the dominant format in residential storage systems, larger 280 Ah and 314 Ah cells are gaining market share due to improved cost competitiveness. Penetration of these formats reached nearly 22% in Q1 2026 and is expected to increase to around 30% in the second quarter.
Looking ahead, InfoLink continues to forecast a tight supply demand balance during the first half of 2026, followed by moderate easing in the second half of the year. Based on updated shipment guidance from manufacturers, the consultancy has raised its forecast for global energy storage cell shipments in 2026 to 897 GWh, reflecting expectations for sustained medium to high growth across the sector.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
