On May 29, CATL, a leading battery manufacturer, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Lanzhou Municipal Government to advance collaboration in three areas: new energy vehicle battery aftermarket services, electrification of regional transportation, and development of a zero-carbon urban ecosystem. The partnership aims to establish Lanzhou as a leading example of zero-carbon transformation in northwest China.

Lanzhou, a key transportation hub with abundant wind and solar resources, is well-positioned to leverage CATL’s expertise in battery technology and global data. The collaboration will focus on establishing a regional technology center in Lanzhou’s high-tech zone. This center will offer services such as battery safety testing and second-life applications, supporting research, development, and talent cultivation for the new energy vehicle sector across northwest China and Central Asia.

To promote electrified transportation, CATL and Lanzhou will enhance charging and battery-swapping infrastructure to support the transition of public transit, heavy-duty trucks, buses, and two-wheelers to electric power. Innovative projects, such as the “Electric Yellow River” tourism cruise, will also be explored to integrate clean energy into the region’s transport systems. A Lanzhou official stated: “This partnership will accelerate our city’s shift to sustainable transportation and strengthen our role as a regional hub.”

The agreement also prioritizes building a zero-carbon urban ecosystem by integrating photovoltaic systems, energy storage, and smart energy management technologies. Planned initiatives include zero-carbon industrial parks, virtual power plants, and integrated demonstration stations combining solar power, energy storage, charging, swapping, and battery diagnostics. Additionally, CATL and Lanzhou will develop policies for recycling retired batteries, creating a battery recovery system and a collaborative processing base to establish a closed-loop value chain for the battery lifecycle.

CATL’s president remarked: “Our collaboration with Lanzhou reflects a shared commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and fostering sustainable development in the region.” By combining Lanzhou’s strategic location with CATL’s technological capabilities, the partnership aims to enhance the city’s clean energy infrastructure, support economic growth, and contribute to regional sustainability goals.

This initiative underscores Lanzhou’s growing role in the new energy sector, leveraging its resources and strategic position to drive innovation and environmental progress in northwest China.

by autonews.gasgoo