[SMM Analysis] ITC Rejects Tariffs on Chinese Graphite Anodes, Final Duties Not Imposed

Shanxi to Abolish 22 Wind and Photovoltaic Projects with 147.284 MW Capacity in 2026

On March 12, the Shanxi Provincial Energy Bureau announced the "List of Wind and Photovoltaic Power Generation Projects to be Abolished in the First Batch of 2026", which proposes to abolish 22 projects with a total capacity of 147.284 million kilowatts, including the Fengrun Huairun 50 MW photovoltaic energy storage integrated demonstration project.

Zhejiang's Photovoltaic Power Output Hits Record High, Exceeds 40 Million kW for First Time

It is learned from the State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. that on March 10, Zhejiang's maximum output of photovoltaic power exceeded 40 million kilowatts for the first time, reaching 42.52 million kilowatts, accounting for about 49% of the real-time load of the whole society. In recent years, under the leadership of the "double carbon" strategy, Zhejiang has been accelerating the construction of a new power system and a new energy system, and new energy represented by photovoltaics has developed rapidly, and has played an important role in Zhejiang's power supply guarantee and the clean energy production and consumption process in Zhejiang. According to the data of State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power, by the end of 2025, the installed capacity of wind and photovoltaic new energy i

NDRC Approves Hami-Dunhuang 750kV Line Project to Boost Northwest Power Grid and Renewable Energy Consumption

Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission issued the "Resolution on the Approval of the Hami-Dunhuang Third 750 kV Line Project", officially approving the Hami-Dunhua Third 750kV Line Project in Xinjiang. The implementation of the project is of great significance for improving the main network structure of the northwest power grid, strengthening the interconnection capacity of the power grid in Gansu and Xinjiang, and improving the level of new energy consumption in Xinjiang. According to the previous environmental impact assessment information, the total static investment of the project is 1350.9 million yuan, and it is planned to be completed in March 2027.

NDRC Approves Hami-Dunhuang Third 750 kV Transmission Line Project

Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued the Reply on the Approval of the Hami–Dunhuang Third 750 kV Transmission Line Project, formally approving the Xinjiang Hami–Dunhuang Third 750 kV Transmission Line Project. The implementation of this project was of great significance for improving the backbone structure of the main power grid in Northwest China, strengthening the mutual support capacity between the Gansu and Xinjiang power grids, and enhancing Xinjiang’s capacity to absorb new energy. According to previously disclosed environmental impact assessment information, the project had a total static investment of 1.3509 billion yuan and was scheduled for completion in March 2027.

Jijing UHV DC Project Enters Final Feasibility Stage, Aiming for 2029 Operation

On March 12, it was learned from State Grid Jilin Electric Power Co., Ltd. that the project to transmit power from the Songliao Clean Energy Base in Northeast China to North China (the “Jijing UHV DC Project”) officially entered the final stage of the feasibility study. According to the plan, the project is expected to complete project approval in 2026, enter the substantive construction phase in 2027, and be completed and put into operation in 2029.

China Launches 2026 Pilot Program for County-Level EV Charging Infrastructure Improvements

China’s Ministry of Finance launched the 2026 application process for pilot programs to address shortcomings in county-level charging and battery swapping infrastructure. For charging and battery swapping stations powered by PV generation, if the amount of electricity “generated for self-use” exceeds 40% of total charging volume, the annual total charging volume of such “generated for self-use” electricity may be converted at 1.2 times.

SMM Daily Review: Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Fluctuated Upward on March 13

[SMM Daily Review: Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Fluctuated Upward on March 13] SMM's battery-grade lithium carbonate index price fluctuated upward from the previous working day. Futures trend, the most-traded contract fluctuated higher after opening and once climbed to around 163,000 yuan/mt; after the midday session, the price reversed downward and once fell to 150,000 yuan/mt near the close, then fluctuated rangebound at low levels until the close. As of the close, open interest for the day decreased by about 8,500 lots from the previous trading day. Actual transactions, upstream lithium chemical plants showed a clear reluctance to sell and held prices firm, while willingness to sell spot orders remained weak; downstream material plants still mainly stayed cautious and on the sidelines, maintaining only just-in-time procurement. Overall, both market inquiries and actual transactions were sluggish. As for subsequent price movements, given that downstream procurement sentiment remained cautious and the market lacked sustained momentum to chase higher prices, lithium carbonate prices were expected to continue a fluctuating trend in the short term.

This Week’s Key Overseas Lithium News (3.9-3.13) [SMM New Energy Overseas Weekly News]

[SMM Weekly Manganese Ore Review] Strong Cost Support Kept Spot Manganese Ore Prices Firm

March 13 News: Northern ports: South African high-grade ore, 32.5-35.4 yuan/mtu, prices up WoW from last Friday; South African semi-carbonate, 38.9-39.4 yuan/mtu, prices up WoW from last Friday; Gabon ore, 44.3-44.9 yuan/mtu, prices up WoW from last Friday; 46% Australian lumps, 44.9-45.4 yuan/mtu, prices up WoW from last Friday. South China ports: South African high-grade ore, 33-33.5 yuan/mtu, prices flat WoW from last Friday; South African semi-carbonate, 35.9-36.4 yuan/mtu, prices up WoW from last Friday; Gabon ore, 42-42.5 yuan/mtu, prices flat WoW from last Friday; 46% Australian lumps, 43.4-43.9 yuan/mtu, prices flat WoW from last Friday.