Navarre and Hithium Forge Investment Commitment for New Battery Plant

Investment Agreement Between Navarre and Hithium

On April 17, 2026, María Chivite Navascués, the President of Navarre, and Jeff Wu, Founder and Chairman of HiTHIUM, formalized an investment deal that will see the establishment of a large-scale battery manufacturing facility in Navarre, Spain. This event was notably attended by Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, underscoring the importance of this collaboration for both local and global energy initiatives.

A Step Forward in Green Energy

The planned battery factory represents an investment of approximately €400 million and is expected to create around 700 direct jobs. This venture is not merely a local economic boost; it signifies a substantial step forward in Europe’s green energy transition and aims to solidify the economic collaboration between China and Spain. Chivite emphasized that while there are details still to finalize, this commitment is a positive development for the residents of Navarre. The production is slated to commence by 2027, reflecting the strong collaborative spirit between the regions.

During the meeting, Chivite highlighted that Navarre has a track record of successfully implementing foreign projects and remarked on the region's dedication to fostering a supportive business environment. This sentiment was echoed by Mikel Irujo, the Minister of Industry and Ecological and Digital Transition, who noted that this agreement is the result of two years of diligent work, intensive contacts, and multiple visits by delegation representatives from both regions.

Strategic Location for Investment

Navarre was chosen for this project due to its robust industrial ecosystem, which includes advanced engineering services, technological centers, and a network of universities and vocational training programs. The collaboration between HiTHIUM and the Navarre government represents a pivotal moment in enhancing the local economy while addressing broader environmental goals. Qi Tang, the Chief Executive Officer of HiTHIUM's Strategic Development Office, emphasized that this agreement marks a significant milestone in their investment journey in Spain. He added, “We believe that Navarre and Spain provide an ideal business atmosphere for us and for other Chinese companies looking to expand in Europe.”

Furthermore, the cooperation is designed not only to benefit local employment significantly but also aims to enhance relations between China and Spain. In his comments, Tang expressed optimism about the prospects of the new battery plant being a success and highlighted the efficiency and strong support from the Navarre authorities during the decision-making process.

Collaboration History

This is not the first engagement between Navarre and HiTHIUM. In November 2025, during an earlier trade mission to China led by President Chivite, she visited HiTHIUM’s facilities in Chongqing. In March 2026, an official meeting was held at the Palacio de Navarre, bringing together key figures from both sides, including Irujo and HiTHIUM’s investment director. The announcement of this gigafactory demonstrates the evolving nature of international business relationships and the role that innovation plays in modern economic strategies.

About HiTHIUM

Founded in 2019, HiTHIUM is a leading Chinese company in energy storage systems, particularly known for its Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Headquartered in Xiamen, with additional production facilities in Chongqing, Heze, and Dallas, the upcoming plant in Navarre will mark the company's second location outside of China and the first within the European Union. Such an establishment positions HiTHIUM among the key players globally in large-scale battery technology, ready to respond to the increasing demand for energy storage solutions in various sectors, including industrial and commercial applications.

With a focus on innovation and robust R&D capabilities, HiTHIUM aims to continue its trajectory as a leader in the energy sector, making this investment a strategic move in the context of a rapidly changing global energy landscape.