The hybrid energy storage project, titled "Lithium Battery + Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage Key Technology Research and Demonstration", at CHN Energy Ningdong Photovoltaic Base in Ningxia recently achieved grid-connected operation. Developed jointly by CHN Energy New Energy Technology Research Institute and CHN Energy Ningxia Branch, this pioneering initiative is China’s first hybrid grid-forming energy storage project. It is implemented at the Ningxia New Energy Shuguang Phase I Energy Storage Station.

On-site at the Ningdong PV Base Hybrid Energy Storage Project in Ningxia, China

Designed to address the demands of power systems with high new energy integration and advanced power electronics, the project focuses on hybrid energy storage configuration and control, low-cost sodium-ion battery integration, energy storage clustering, and hybrid grid-forming technologies. By combining lithium batteries, supercapacitors and sodium-ion battery systems, the project establishes a cost-effective, durable and grid-supportive hybrid energy storage model.

The initiative achieved a critical milestone by successfully conducting China’s first short-circuit experiment for hybrid grid-forming energy storage, validating its technical feasibility and advancing CHN Energy’s expertise in grid-forming energy storage systems. Post-operation, the project has enhanced the responsiveness and economic efficiency of energy storage systems while strengthening regional grid stability. It also provides theoretical and empirical foundations for improving new energy integration capacity and supports the planning of large-scale new energy bases in challenging environments such as deserts, Gobi areas and wastelands.