In the fourth quarter of 2025, China’s power battery industry underwent a strategic shift, moving away from the frenetic pace of expansion that had previously defined the sector. This period marked a transition towards a more measured and strategic approach to capacity growth, with a focus on quality, technological innovation, and global market penetration. The implications for the construction industry, particularly in the realm of sustainable infrastructure, are profound and multifaceted.
The quarter saw over 15 new projects for batteries and supporting suppliers advance, with total investments exceeding RMB 60 billion and a combined planned annual capacity of over 370 GWh. This expansion was not confined to China’s borders but extended into overseas markets, reflecting a dual-track strategy aimed at both densifying domestic capacity and establishing a robust global footprint. This trend is significant for the construction industry, as it signals a growing demand for specialized facilities that support the manufacturing and assembly of advanced battery technologies.
The full-cycle pattern of expansion observed in Q4 2025—encompassing contract signings, groundbreakings, and commissioning—underscores the accelerating pace of development in the sector. Companies like CATL, CALB, and Gotion High-tech emerged as the core drivers of this wave, with CATL notably securing three major projects in a single quarter. These projects, ranging from the Shandong Times New Energy Battery Industrial Base to the Liyang Times Lighthouse Factory Phase III, highlight the strategic importance of regional distribution and technological specialization in the industry’s growth trajectory.
The construction industry is poised to benefit from this expansion, as the demand for state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and logistics hubs intensifies. The collaboration between battery makers and automakers, exemplified by CALB’s joint venture with Leapmotor, also points to a broader trend of integrated supply chain development. This co-expansion model not only streamlines production processes but also creates opportunities for the construction of integrated industrial parks that house both battery manufacturers and their automotive partners.
Technological innovation remained a central theme in Q4 2025, with a notable focus on solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. These next-generation technologies represent a significant shift in the industry’s approach to sustainability and efficiency. For the construction sector, this translates into the need for facilities designed to accommodate cutting-edge manufacturing processes and the infrastructure required to support them. The establishment of projects like Sanwei Battery’s solid-state battery plant in Yugan and EVE Energy’s sodium-ion battery headquarters in Huizhou underscores the importance of creating flexible, adaptable spaces that can evolve alongside technological advancements.
Regionally, East China continued to be a hotspot for expansion, driven by its mature new energy vehicle (NEV) clusters, robust talent pool, and strategic logistics advantages. However, the quarter also saw significant investments in Central and Southwest China, reflecting a more balanced approach to capacity allocation. This regional diversification is crucial for the construction industry, as it opens up new markets for specialized facilities and infrastructure projects. The overseas expansion of companies like Sunwoda, with its Phase II green-energy lithium battery plant in Thailand, further highlights the global reach of the power battery industry and the corresponding opportunities for international construction projects.
As the power battery industry moves into 2026, the focus on high-quality growth, technological innovation, and global market penetration is set to redefine the sector’s landscape. For the construction industry, this presents a unique opportunity to engage with a rapidly evolving market that demands not only scale but also sophistication in design, sustainability, and technological integration. The companies that can adapt to these changing dynamics and deliver on the promise of a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected future will be the ones that lead the way in this transformative era.