According to Polaris Energy Storage Network, on May 7, the Qingdao Municipal Development and Reform Commission issued a competitive negotiation announcement for the research on the development path and policies of Qingdao's new energy industry, with a budget of 648,000 yuan. The research will focus on eight major areas of the new energy industry, including wind power, PV, hydrogen energy, energy storage systems (ESS), nuclear energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, and ocean energy, to form a main research report on the "Research on the Development Path and Policies of Qingdao's New Energy Industry." Additionally, three thematic research reports will be developed, focusing on key areas such as wind power, hydrogen energy and energy storage, and ocean energy.

【SMM Cobalt & Lithium Morning Meeting Summary: This week, prices of some artificial graphite have slightly declined. Cost side, the price of graphitisation tolling services has remained relatively stable under the combined influence of supply and demand dynamics and cost factors. Meanwhile, the price of raw material coke has declined due to the continued weakness in downstream demand. Supply and demand side, the overall market performance has been relatively stable. Demand side, growth momentum has been insufficient due to tariff impacts. Production of anode enterprises has increased slightly with the decline in raw material coke prices, but the limited decline in coke prices has failed to offset the previous increase, resulting in a limited increase in anode production.

SMM Cobalt Morning Meeting Summary: This week, the spot price of refined cobalt remained stable. Supply side, the current social inventory in the market remains relatively high. Due to the sustained high cost of raw materials, the economic viability of refined cobalt production continues to decline, and smelters continue to implement production cuts. Demand side, downstream producers are only maintaining their production schedules based on demand, with relatively low enthusiasm for downstream stockpiling and a strong wait-and-see sentiment. It is expected that next week, the price of refined cobalt may maintain a fluctuating trend.

Battery manufacturers are making even more money than NEV manufacturers." When the above industry logic has almost become the thinking inertia of the NEV industry, power battery producers, as Tier 1 suppliers, have reaped huge profits amidst the envy of many. Meanwhile, as the cost of battery-grade lithium carbonate has plummeted, automakers have been intensifying their efforts to develop batteries in-house, and many voices around have been saying, "Battery manufacturers are not making as much money anymore." However, the fact is that every year, battery manufacturers end up with a smile on their faces.

["[LCO Prices Decline, Market Adopts Wait-and-See Attitude] In April 2025, LCO production increased by 27% MoM. On the demand side..."]