Shanghai (ZXZC)- China-based battery maker CATL kicked off on December 24 the construction of its power battery manufacturing base in Yibin, Sichuan province, which features an expected annual capacity of 30GWh, according to a local media report.

Involving an investment of RMB10 billion in total, the project is carried forward by Sichuan CATL New Energy Technology Co.,Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CATL. Of that, RMB4.5 billion will be pumped in the first phase that has a designed capacity of 15GWh on an annual basis. The second phase is set to start within two years after the first one is put into operation.

(Photo source: CATL)

CATL pointed out that the advent of the Yibin base will further improve its production deployment.

The new battery base is part of fruits yielded by a partnership forged between CATL and Yinbin municipal government in September, 2019. Under the agreement, the battery supplier was to set up a power battery manufacturing base in Yibin and gradually built a complete NEV battery industrial chain there. “Besides, both parties will make joint efforts to construct a NEV industrial base in Western China, taking Sichuan as foothold, serving Southwest China and finally influencing the whole country,” said CATL.

CATL also stated it attached great importance on the NEV development of Sichuan Province which boasts rich resources, huge market potential, solid industrial foundation and outstanding science and education strength. Last year, it started cooperation with Yinbin's local government and Suzhou's Canmax on a joint venture focusing on R&D, production and sale of lithium battery materials and products.