Key Takeaways
- CATL has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Municipal Government of Xiamen city to develop a zero-carbon technology city.
- The initiative aims to create a pilot effort for zero-carbon urban systems and industries, aligning with China’s national "dual carbon" goals.
- The partnership will establish a global zero-carbon technology R&D center, expand related technology services, and attract companies across the entire zero-carbon value chain.
- The zero-carbon technology city is expected to play a central role in Xiamen’s urban transformation and high-quality industrial development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.
- The project will serve as a platform for CATL to cultivate a new growth engine beyond its core battery business.
Introduction to the Partnership
The city of Xiamen has taken a significant step towards achieving China’s national "dual carbon" goals by partnering with CATL, a leading player in the new energy sector. On December 31, 2025, CATL signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Municipal Government of Xiamen city, formalizing plans to jointly develop a zero-carbon technology city. This initiative is positioned as a pilot effort to chart new development models for both zero-carbon urban systems and zero-carbon industries. The partnership comes as Xiamen steps up efforts to implement China’s national "dual carbon" goals, with a focus on building a cleaner, low-carbon energy system and industrial structure.
Objectives and Expectations
Under the agreement, the two sides will prioritize the establishment of a global zero-carbon technology R&D center and the expansion of related technology services. The project aims to attract companies across the entire zero-carbon value chain and foster a collaborative industrial ecosystem. CATL plans to build on its existing footprint in Xiamen, including operations such as Xiamen CATL, Ampace, Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology, and its energy storage demonstration project, to scale up its broader zero-carbon business portfolio. The zero-carbon technology city is expected to play a central role in Xiamen’s urban transformation and high-quality industrial development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.
CATL’s Role and Benefits
For CATL, the project is seen as a platform to cultivate a new growth engine beyond its core battery business. By working together with the Xiamen government, CATL aims to position the development as a benchmark combining advanced technology, industrial clustering, and ecological balance. This will support Xiamen’s ambition to become a key node in China’s new development paradigm, a national model for green growth, and a hub for innovation in the new energy sector. The partnership will enable CATL to leverage its expertise in new energy technologies to drive innovation and growth in the zero-carbon sector, while also contributing to Xiamen’s sustainable development goals.
Xiamen’s Ambitions and Goals
The Xiamen government has set ambitious goals for the zero-carbon technology city, aiming to create a national model for green growth and a hub for innovation in the new energy sector. The project is expected to play a central role in Xiamen’s urban transformation and high-quality industrial development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. By partnering with CATL, Xiamen is poised to become a key player in China’s new development paradigm, leveraging its strategic location and resources to drive growth and innovation in the zero-carbon sector. The city’s focus on building a cleaner, low-carbon energy system and industrial structure will not only contribute to China’s national "dual carbon" goals but also create new opportunities for economic growth and development.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the partnership between CATL and the Xiamen government marks a significant step towards achieving China’s national "dual carbon" goals. The zero-carbon technology city is expected to play a central role in Xiamen’s urban transformation and high-quality industrial development, while also serving as a platform for CATL to cultivate a new growth engine beyond its core battery business. As the project moves forward, it is likely to attract companies across the entire zero-carbon value chain, fostering a collaborative industrial ecosystem and driving innovation in the new energy sector. With its focus on advanced technology, industrial clustering, and ecological balance, the zero-carbon technology city is poised to become a benchmark for sustainable development and a model for green growth in China and beyond.