Hithium's Wu Zuyu Invited to Meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Energy Collaboration
On January 29, 2026, a prestigious meeting took place involving notable leaders from both China and the UK. The event was graced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who jointly attended the closing ceremony of the Sino-British Economic Council meeting. One of the key attendees was Wu Zuyu, the founder and chairman of Hithium, a leading global manufacturer of energy storage systems. This meeting aimed to facilitate discussions on potential collaborations between the two nations in various sectors, particularly in technology, trade, and investment. The discussions are considered crucial for enhancing bilateral relations and fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer expressed a deep interest in strengthening ties with China and exploring collaborative opportunities that could benefit both countries. He stated ambitions of building a proactive relationship that paves the way for cooperative ventures in energy, trade, and innovative technologies. Wu Zuyu’s presence alongside other representatives from over 110 companies and institutions signified the significance of the gathering, marking a new chapter in China-UK relations focused on clean energy development.
Following the main event, a further dialogue occurred at the Chinese-British Economic Forum held on January 30, 2026, in Beijing. This forum served as a platform for public-private dialogue, featuring prominent figures from both governments and leading business associations. Here, discussions actively revolved around energy storage collaboration, a vital aspect of contemporary energy policies in light of global shifts towards sustainable energy solutions. Wu Zuyu and Prime Minister Starmer resumed their talks, examining the intricacies of energy storage technologies and potential advancements in this field.
The significance of this collaboration cannot be understated. A press release from the UK government highlighted Hithium's planned investment of £200 million in energy projects, which promises to create approximately 300 high-quality jobs in the energy storage sector. This investment is expected to bolster the UK’s sovereign capabilities in energy technology, resulting in a more reliable energy network and a stronger economy. Hithium predominantly focuses on long-duration energy storage solutions, which are increasingly vital for stability in renewable energy systems.
The dialogue exemplifies a broader trend where China and the UK are not just engaging diplomatically but are also focusing on fostering market-oriented exchanges between their companies. This cooperative approach is designed to leverage their complementary strengths, aiming for a sustainable future in the clean energy sector. Such strategic partnerships are essential as both countries face urgent energy challenges and seek to enhance their respective positions in the rapidly evolving global clean energy landscape. In conclusion, Wu Zuyu's invitation to meet with Prime Minister Starmer symbolizes a significant step towards a deeper, more integrated partnership in the energy sector between China and the United Kingdom, showcasing the potential benefits of international collaboration in addressing global energy demands.