Wu Zuyu of Hithium Meets UK Prime Minister to Discuss Energy Collaboration
On January 29, 2026, a significant meeting took place in Beijing, where Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council of China, alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, attended the closing ceremony of the China-UK Business Council. Among the attendees was Wu Zuyu, the founder and president of Hithium, a company specializing in long-duration energy storage solutions. This noteworthy event brought together over 110 representatives from various businesses and institutions from both nations, emphasizing their commitment to enhance bilateral relations.
During the event, Prime Minister Starmer articulated the UK government’s intentions behind the delegation's visit to China. His remarks underscored the aim to deepen understanding and expand opportunities for cooperation. The UK is keen on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, focusing on critical areas including trade, investment, and technology. This initiative is presented as a way to promote engagement that ultimately benefits the citizens of both countries.
As a leader in the energy storage sector, Wu Zuyu's participation in this meeting was particularly significant. He gained insights into the mutual cooperative spirit expressed by the Chinese and British leaders, which lays the groundwork for potential collaboration in clean energy development. Following the business council meeting, a China-UK Trade Forum was co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the UK government on January 30. This forum fostered an effective dialogue between government officials and business leaders, creating a platform for public-private discussions that can drive future cooperative efforts.
The Forum saw Prime Minister Starmer meet directly with Wu Zuyu, where they exchanged views on energy storage collaboration. The British government issued a press statement indicating Hithium’s commitment to invest £200 million and create 300 quality jobs in the UK’s energy storage sector. This investment is not only poised to strengthen the UK's sovereign energy capabilities but also to provide cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing the reliability of its energy grid, thereby contributing to a robust economy.
Hithium stands out as a leading global manufacturer of energy storage systems, which are becoming increasingly crucial as countries worldwide accelerate their energy transition initiatives. The discussions between China and the UK underscore a desire to maintain a government-level dialogue while also promoting business interactions based on market dynamics. This multifaceted cooperation emphasizes the complementary strengths of both countries, aiming to jointly advance the sustainable development of the global clean energy sector.
The progress achieved through this meeting exemplifies the potential for innovative partnerships that could redefine energy strategies in the imminent future. The collaborative spirit exhibited by both the UK and Chinese leaders sets a precedent for sustainable economic relations that can address pressing global energy challenges.