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CATL's Vision for Global Zero-Carbon Transition

In a notable appearance at the Belt and Road Initiative's second Conference on Scientific and Technological Exchange, Dr. Robin Zeng, the Chairman and CEO of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), elaborated on the company's commitment to an open collaboration and mutually beneficial progress on a global scale. He notably underscored the need to strengthen the position of emerging economies in the global energy transformation.

Dr. Zeng articulated CATL's readiness to foster deep industrial collaboration and share cutting-edge technology to expedite the global energy transition. "There are numerous avenues for us to collaborate," he stated. "CATL is willing to join forces in building factories, establishing joint ventures, and entering into technology licensing agreements." This spirit of collaboration is a fundamental aspect of CATL's strategy aimed at creating localized ecosystems and aiding partners globally on their path toward climate neutrality.

The discussion highlighted the significant opportunities found in the electrification of transport, emphasizing the swift growth of electric vehicle markets in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. CATL is actively forming partnerships in this region, collaborating with Arun Plus in Thailand to supply batteries and support the nation's ambition to become a hub for electromobility in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, CATL, alongside partners, is developing a complete industrial value chain from raw material extraction to recycling, with the goal of establishing a localized ecosystem for electric vehicles.

Beyond the transportation sector, CATL has been introducing innovative solutions under its "Zero-Carbon Tech" initiative, which includes advanced energy storage systems crucial for unlocking the full potential of renewable resources. The company has implemented network-stabilizing battery systems that allow for the operation of independent microgrids, fundamental for remote areas and industrial operations. A remarkable project includes the 19 GWh energy storage system powering Masdar's green data center in the United Arab Emirates, the first of its kind that combines artificial intelligence with zero emissions.

Looking toward the future, CATL plans to establish 1,000 Choco-Swap stations by 2025 to promote broader use of the circular battery economy. The expansion of this network includes special administrative regions like Hong Kong and Macau, with the inaugural station in Hong Kong officially underway. In the medium term, CATL aims to create up to 10,000 of these stations in collaboration with automotive partners, reinforcing its commitment to circular economy principles.

Dr. Zeng also touched on the concept of "industrial decarbonization," which refers to the transformation of traditional energy-intensive sectors through new energy solutions, such as hydrometallurgy to reduce CO2 emissions. This strategy, alongside the industrialization of new energy technologies, aims to forge new engines of economic growth and pathways for ecological transformation, particularly pertinent for nations seeking to modernize their industries and pursue sustainable development.

CATL's strategy encompasses the establishment of a global manufacturing network that ensures steady market supply and supports growth worldwide. Extensive investments in production facilities in Europe, including the largest battery plant in Hungary and a new factory in Spain in collaboration with Stellantis, exemplify this commitment. These initiatives intend to deeply integrate CATL into regional new energy industrial chains, contributing to local added value and technological advancement.

Innovation remains at the forefront of CATL's efforts, with the company investing nearly 20 billion yuan annually in battery research and development and holding over 43,000 patents. In 2024, CATL ranked second among Chinese companies for overseas patent applications.

As a global leader in innovation and technology, CATL is ready to collaborate with business and academic circles in all partner countries. Dr. Zeng concluded, "We aspire to actively participate in the development of new energy for humanity, sustainable growth, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind!"

The recent listing of CATL shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange further underscores its deeper engagement in global capital markets. This move presents a crucial platform to bolster expanding manufacturing capacity, a growing supplier network, and talent development, while also enabling more diverse collaborations with international partners on the journey toward a carbon-free future. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its factories this year and strives for carbon neutrality throughout its entire battery supply chain by 2035.