Zeng Yuqun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chairperson of Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), attends a group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, 2026. Photo: VCG

More than 20 years of sustained national policy support have provided clear direction for enterprises and professionals in the [renewable energy] industry, Zeng Yuqun, chairperson of Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), said on Wednesday, vowing to ramp up the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen research and development, and take Chinese battery technology and standards further overseas.  

Zeng, also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when attending a group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zeng said that the country has consistently encouraged the [development] direction of renewable energy, noting that after more than 20 years of unwavering supportive policies, this strategic resolve has provided all enterprises and professionals in the industry with a clear compass to guide their efforts.

Zeng added that professionals in the sector are diligent, as they have created a powerful and complete industrial ecosystem—from mining and raw materials, through batteries and end-use applications, right up to recycling.

He also highlighted the importance of independent innovation. CATL has invested more than 80 billion yuan ($11.59 billion) in research and development (R&D) cumulatively, with annual spending exceeding 20 billion yuan in recent years. The company employs more than 21,000 R&D personnel and has generated more than 50,000 patents, according to Zeng.

Zeng said that CATL's battery products power more than 20 million vehicles across dozens of countries and regions worldwide and more than 3,000 energy storage stations. 

China has made years of efforts in transitioning from traditional energy to new energy, while actively exporting advanced new-energy products and technologies to the world. Exports of the "new three" products — electric vehicles, photovoltaic products and lithium batteries — reached nearly 1.3 trillion yuan in 2025, 3.5 times the level of 2020, official data showed. 

CATL will further increase R&D investment, particularly by leveraging AI, with focus on intelligent manufacturing. As a leading enterprise in the industry, Zeng said that the company will uphold an open and win-win approach, promote Chinese products, technologies and standards globally, and continue efforts to truly make outstanding contributions to the cause of new energy together with peers from all over the world.

Global Times