Seven Chinese authorities issue the new-battery industry’s 15th Five-Year Plan, addressing recycling and advanced equipment
MIIT and six other authorities have issued the new-battery industry’s 15th Five-Year Plan, covering recycling, advanced manufacturing equipment, industrial digitalisation and lifecycle traceability.
A formally issued plan for the new-battery industry
On 28 September 2026, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published the notice jointly issued by seven authorities on the 15th Five-Year Plan for development of the new-battery industry. The document is numbered MIIT Joint Planning [2026] No. 220 and dated 14 September. The issuing bodies are MIIT, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the National Energy Administration and the National Railway Administration.
Industry development towards 2030
According to MIIT’s accompanying explanation, the plan covers new-battery technologies including lithium, sodium and flow batteries. Its 2030 objectives include stronger innovation across the value chain, scaled application of all-solid-state batteries, and wider use in transport, energy storage and smart devices. These are development objectives, distinct from achievements already realised by the industry.
Recycling and equipment are part of the programme
The official explanation describes 19 key tasks in five areas. Whole-chain innovation includes improving recycling systems and developing advanced manufacturing equipment. Industrial upgrading emphasises digitalisation, green development and safety capabilities. Technology services address standards, testing and certification, battery lifecycle information and carbon-footprint management. For participants in disassembly, recycling and related equipment, the links between recycling systems, manufacturing, applications and traceability are a relevant focus of this plan.
Follow-up implementation documents
This article is based on the formal issuing notice and official explanation. Planning priorities are not the same as mandatory acceptance criteria for individual projects; implementation must also take account of applicable laws, standards and supporting documents. This plan is separate from the new-energy vehicle industry’s 15th Five-Year Plan and should be consulted independently.