Tesla has signed its first agreement to build a utility-scale battery storage facility in China, marking a major step in the company’s global energy ambitions despite ongoing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The announcement, shared by Tesla on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, revealed that the new project would become China’s largest grid-side energy storage installation upon completion.
$556 million project backed by local government and Chinese financier
The project, valued at 4 billion yuan (approximately $556 million), involves a partnership between Tesla, the Shanghai municipal government, and China Kangfu International Leasing, according to a report from Chinese media outlet Yicai, cited by Reuters
Tesla stated that its Shanghai battery plant has already produced over 100 Megapacks during the first quarter of 2025.
Each Megapack — a large-scale lithium-ion battery designed for utility use — is capable of storing up to 1 megawatt of power for four hours.In the U.S., a single Megapack is priced just under $1 million, though pricing for the Chinese market has not been disclosed.
Addressing power grid stability and urban energy demand
Tesla emphasized that the new facility will act as a “smart regulator” for urban electricity needs.
Utility-scale battery systems like Megapacks are used to stabilize the grid by storing excess energy from intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar, then releasing it when demand peaks.
“The grid-side energy storage power station is a ‘smart regulator’ for urban electricity,” Tesla said in its Weibo post.
“It can flexibly adjust grid resources, effectively solve the pressure of urban power supply, and ensure the safe, stable, and efficient electricity demand of the city.”
Competing in a crowded market
Tesla’s expansion into China’s grid storage sector places it in direct competition with major domestic players such as CATL and BYD, both of which have a significant presence in the global battery industry.
CATL, which controls roughly 40% of the global battery market, is also reportedly supplying battery cells and packs for Tesla’s Megapacks, according to Reuters.
While competition is fierce, the Chinese market remains an important growth opportunity for Tesla, especially given Beijing’s push for cleaner energy solutions.
In 2024, China announced plans to add nearly 5 gigawatts of battery-powered capacity by the end of 2025, aiming for a total of 40 gigawatts.
Energy storage: a growing global trend
Tesla’s Shanghai facility also serves global demand, with Megapack units exported to both Europe and Asia.
The deal aligns with a broader surge in utility-scale battery deployment worldwide.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global battery storage capacity grew by 42 gigawatts in 2023, nearly doubling the increase recorded in the previous year.
Despite past political headwinds, Tesla’s latest project underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its foothold in China’s fast-expanding clean energy sector, a move that may also carry diplomatic significance amid complex U.S.-China relations.
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