#Spain #Hithium #battery manufacturing #Navarra

Navarra and Hithium Formalize Investment Agreement for Battery Plant

Introduction
In a landmark event on April 16, 2026, María Chivite Navascués, the President of Navarra, and Jeff Wu, the founder and Chairman of the Chinese energy storage company Hithium, finalized an investment agreement for a new battery manufacturing facility. This ambitious project represents a €400 million investment and is expected to create approximately 700 direct jobs, contributing significantly to both local employment and the European green energy transition.

The Ceremony
The signing ceremony took place with the presence of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration between Spain and China. During the discussions, President Chivite emphasized the positive impact this investment will have on the people of Navarra. She expressed optimism that the production at the facility could commence as early as 2027, pending the completion of some remaining details.

Significance of the Investment
The agreement outlines that this initiative will bolster economic cooperation and trade relations between China and Spain while simultaneously making a meaningful contribution to the green energy shift in Europe. This emphasis on sustainable energy aligns with global trends toward increasing reliance on eco-friendly energy sources.

Navarra's Competitive Edge
President Chivite underscored Navarra's experience in managing foreign investment projects, which is attractive to international investors. She highlighted the region's reliability in partnerships, the proximity of institutions, and the supportive ecosystem that accompanies such investments. Mikel Irujo, the Minister for Industry, Ecological and Digital Transformation, shared that this agreement comes after two years of intensive negotiations, which included multiple visits by Chinese delegations to Navarra and vice versa.

Technical Capabilities and Ecosystem
Navarra was selected for this project due to its robust industrial ecosystem, which includes advanced technical services, established technology centers, and strong institutions that support education and workforce development. The regional government is keen on promoting innovation and technology as key drivers in these developments.