From Suzhou to Europe: Safety, Standards & the Future of Energy Storage

What does it really take for Chinese energy storage companies to succeed in Europe? According to experts gathered this week in Suzhou, it’s no longer just about battery performance or pricing - it’s about standards, safety, and trust.

At the 2026 Kiwa Energy Storage Technology Summit on Thursday 28 May, hosted by Kiwa PI China, industry leaders and certification experts came together to tackle one of the sector’s biggest questions: how can companies navigate the rapidly evolving European regulatory landscape while staying competitive globally?

Among the keynote speakers were Ernst Vossers from Kiwa and Evert Vermaut from Vinçotte, who shared valuable insights into Europe’s changing regulatory environment. Discussions covered topics ranging from the EU’s new battery regulations and cybersecurity requirements under the EU Cyber Resilience Act.

One of the clearest takeaways from the forum was that Europe - especially Benelux expertise in safety, compliance, and quality assurance - is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the global energy storage industry.

The event also highlighted the importance of international collaboration. A strategic partnership signing between Kiwa and Chinese energy storage giant Sungrow reflected the growing demand for internationally recognized testing and certification expertise as Chinese companies continue expanding abroad.

Beyond the summit, attendees were given the opportunity to tour Kiwa’s renewable energy laboratory and testing facilities. 

A special thanks goes to Sisi Chen, Managing Director of Kiwa PI China, for personally guiding participants through the facility and sharing her expertise. The visit offered a behind-the-scenes look at how energy storage products are evaluated for electrical safety, environmental reliability, and operational performance, providing a practical perspective on the testing and certification processes.