An announced factory and an operating production line represent different kinds of progress. Our project tracker uses evidence-led stages so readers can see what has actually changed.
Our tracking stages
- Announced: an intention, agreement or project plan has been disclosed.
- Construction: site or production-facility work is supported by dated evidence.
- Pilot: trial production or pilot-line activity is documented.
- Operational: commercial production or operation is supported by identifiable evidence.
- Paused: a delay or suspension has been documented.
These are editorial tracking labels, not independent certifications. Where a source only makes a company claim, that attribution should remain visible. The broader manufacturing-readiness framework published by the US DOE also distinguishes pilot capability, low-rate production and full-rate production.
Keep quantities and dates distinct
Record the announcement date, event date and latest verification date separately. Planned annual factory capacity is not actual annual output. Factory capacity in GWh per year must not be added to storage-project energy in MWh. Phases of the same facility should be linked to avoid double counting.
Follow the location of the project
Keep company headquarters separate from the country where the facility operates. A China-based company’s European plant can appear in both company coverage and European project tracking. Preserve the earlier milestones so a status update explains a progression rather than erasing its history.