Assault and batteries

Weekly Updates

One expected consequence of the Gulf war is an acceleration of renewable energy investment. Renewables generate energy security, not just at a national level but for the individual. In a world where human existence can barely be contemplated without a mobile phone, why not have a solar charger somewhere about in case disaster strikes and access to TikTok is cut off?
As with many of the current changes in the global economy, part of this investment is likely to be about more efficient use of what we have. Specifically, the war has created an incentive to retrofit batteries to existing solar panels.
China dominates global lithium battery sales. Battery prices have fallen to a third of their 2016 level. In the first quarter of this year, China’s battery export volumes had already risen over 30% compared to 2025. As the war focuses consumer attention on energy prices, the incentive to buy batteries grows.
Australia offers a case study of how being incentivized to invest in batteries can change energy supply patterns. Government schemes have encouraged battery installation. In the early evening, once solar panels have ceased generating electricity, battery use can now supply over 12.5% of electricity demand. Batteries generated almost nothing at the start of the decade.