Chinese battery giant CATL and automaker Stellantis have begun construction of a €4.1 billion lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery facility in Spain's Aragon region, marking a pivotal moment in Europe's electric vehicle transition. The plant, set to open by late 2026, will produce 50 GWh of batteries annually using 100% renewable energy.
Spanish Industry Minister Jordi Hereu called the November 25 groundbreaking "a strategic leap" for Spain's green energy ambitions, while Aragon President Jorge Azcón highlighted the project's contrast to industrial declines elsewhere in Europe: "While factories close across the continent, we're building a new growth cycle here."
Wu Qi, CEO of the CATL-Stellantis joint venture Contemporary Star Energy, emphasized the partners' shared vision: "This facility isn't just about batteries – it's about creating sustainable industrial ecosystems and cross-border innovation."
In a symbolic gesture, officials sealed copies of Spain's Heraldo de Aragón and China's People's Daily in a time capsule buried at the site, representing the project's long-term bilateral commitment.
