CATL's Robin Zeng Outlines Vision for Global Carbon Neutrality at Conference

CATL's Vision for a Carbon-Neutral Future

At the recent second conference on scientific and technological exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative, Dr. Robin Zeng, the Chairman and CEO of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), presented a compelling vision for a global transition towards carbon neutrality. His emphasis on open collaboration and mutually beneficial development resonated strongly, especially in the context of supporting emerging economies.

Dr. Zeng underlined CATL's readiness to fortify deep industrial cooperation and share cutting-edge technologies, asserting, "We have numerous options for collaboration." He emphasized CATL's commitment to building factories, establishing joint ventures, and entering into commercial agreements for technology licensing. This cooperative spirit is central to CATL's strategy of creating localized ecosystems while supporting partners around the world on their journey to carbon neutrality.

In response to the rising demand for electrification within the transportation sector, CATL is keenly aware of the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. CATL is actively nurturing partnerships in the region, exemplified by its collaboration with Arun Plus in Thailand. This partnership is aimed at supplying batteries and supporting the country’s ambition to become an EV manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, while also working towards a comprehensive industrial value chain from mining to processing to localize Indonesia's electric transportation ecosystem.

Beyond transportation, CATL's holistic approach to carbon-free technology encompasses innovative energy storage systems pivotal for unleashing the full potential of renewable energy sources. Their grid-forming energy storage systems facilitate the establishment of independent microgrids essential for remote areas and industrial facilities. A notable example includes their 19 GWh energy storage system powering Masdar's carbon-neutral AI data processing center in the UAE.

To promote battery circulation within society, CATL aims to deploy 1,000 Choco-Swap stations by 2025. The company is expanding its footprint in Hong Kong and Macau, and is officially constructing its first Choco-Swap station in Hong Kong. CATL plans to collaborate with automotive partners to establish 10,000 stations in the mid-term. The company’s advanced battery recycling technologies underscore its unwavering commitment to the circular economy, having recycled 130,000 tons of used batteries last year alone.

Dr. Zeng also introduced the concept of "industrial decarbonization," portraying it as a transformation of traditionally energy-intensive sectors through new energy solutions, such as hydrometallurgy to reduce carbon emissions. This approach, combined with the "industrialization of new energy," aims to foster new engines for economic growth and pathways for green transformation, particularly pertinent for countries eager to modernize their industries and pursue sustainable development.

CATL's strategy encompasses the formation of a global manufacturing network to ensure supply and develop the world market, demonstrated by the company's significant investments in European production. This includes the largest battery base in Europe located in Hungary and a new joint factory with Stellantis in Spain. These initiatives aim to deeply integrate CATL into local new energy supply chains, thereby enhancing its relevance to local economies and accelerating technological advancement.

With over 43,000 patents, CATL invests approximately 20 billion yuan annually in research and development for new batteries, continuously innovating materials and chemical systems for battery technologies. In 2024, CATL ranked second among Chinese companies in terms of overseas patent applications.

"As a global leader in innovation and technology, CATL is prepared to collaborate with the business and scientific communities of all partner countries," stated Dr. Zeng, concluding, "We are committed to making a contribution to the new energy sector, sustainable development, and the creation of a common future for humanity!"

Furthermore, CATL's recent listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange further demonstrates its deeper integration into global capital markets, providing vital support for the company’s expanding manufacturing capabilities, supplier network, and talent pool while enabling more diverse collaborations with international partners towards achieving carbon neutrality in the future. CATL aims to achieve carbon neutrality for its factories this year and intends to reach carbon neutrality across its battery supply chain by 2035.