Anhui to Host Inaugural Global Battery Forum: A Strategic Move in the Energy Transition
The Global Battery Forum (全球电池论坛, Quánqiú Diànchí Lùntán) will convene in Hefei, Anhui, from November 12–14, 2025, bringing together an expected 800 delegates from 30 countries to chart the future of battery technology and supply chains. This first-of-its-kind event positions Anhui at the center of the world’s fastest-growing energy storage market, leveraging the province’s dominance in lithium-ion battery (锂离子电池, lǐ lízǐ diànchí) production and its strategic role in China’s New Energy Vehicle (新能源汽车, xīn néngyuán qìchē) ecosystem.
The forum, co-organized by the Anhui Provincial Government and the China Battery Industry Association, will focus on three core pillars: raw material supply resilience, next-generation solid-state batteries, and recycling infrastructure. With Anhui already accounting for 18 percent of China’s total battery output in 2024—equivalent to 220 GWh—the event underscores the province’s ambition to become a global hub for energy storage innovation. Keynote speakers include executives from CATL, BYD, and LG Energy Solution, alongside policymakers from the EU and ASEAN.
Why Anhui for the Global Battery Forum?
Anhui’s selection as host is no accident. The province has emerged as a battery powerhouse, driven by aggressive industrial policy and geographic advantages. Hefei, the capital, is home to over 120 battery-related enterprises, ranging from cathode material suppliers to module assemblers. The Hefei National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone alone hosts 14 of China’s top 20 battery manufacturers by capacity. This cluster generates more than 320,000 direct jobs and contributed ¥186 billion (≈US$25.8 billion) to Anhui’s GDP in 2024.
Furthermore, Anhui’s strategic location along the Yangtze River Economic Belt offers efficient logistics for raw material imports and finished battery exports. The province’s battery recycling rate stands at 68 percent, well above the national average of 52 percent, supported by a network of 23 licensed recycling plants. This circular economy focus aligns with the EU’s new Battery Regulation, making Anhui an attractive partner for European automakers seeking compliant suppliers.
The forum will also highlight Anhui’s investment in next-generation technologies. The province has allocated ¥12 billion (≈US$1.66 billion) over three years for R&D in solid-state batteries and sodium-ion alternatives. A dedicated 500-acre “Battery Innovation Park” in Wuhu City will be inaugurated during the forum, offering tax incentives and fast-track permits for foreign-invested R&D centers.
Forum Agenda and Key Themes
The three-day event will feature plenaries, breakout sessions, and a technology expo. Day one focuses on “Raw Materials & Supply Chain Security,” with panels on lithium, cobalt, and graphite sourcing. Speakers from Australia, Chile, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will discuss pricing volatility and ESG standards. Day two centers on “Manufacturing & Next-Gen Batteries,” showcasing pilot lines for all-solid-state cells and lithium-sulfur prototypes. Day three addresses “End-of-Life & Recycling,” with case studies from Anhui’s own recycling ecosystem.
Seven parallel workshops will delve into topics such as battery passport traceability, AI-driven manufacturing optimization, and workforce training programs. Notably, a special session on “Cross-Border Investment in Anhui” will present detailed dossiers on 30 investment-ready projects, including a ¥5 billion (≈US$693 million) lithium iron phosphate (LFP, 磷酸铁锂, línsuān tiělǐ) cathode plant and a ¥3.2 billion (≈US$443 million) battery recycling facility. These projects offer foreign companies equity stakes ranging from 30 to 70 percent.
For foreign executives, the networking opportunities are substantial. Over 40 percent of confirmed delegates are from outside China, representing firms in Germany, Japan, South Korea, the US, and Sweden. The forum will also host bilateral matchmaking sessions, pairing international companies with local suppliers and technology partners. A dedicated “Investor Lounge” will provide one-on-one meetings with Anhui’s provincial investment bureau and leading venture capital firms.
Anhui’s Battery Industry at a Glance: Key Numbers
| Metric | Value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total battery output (2024) | 220 GWh | 18% of China’s total, enough to power 3.7 million EVs per year |
| Battery enterprises in Anhui | 120+ | Includes 14 of China’s top 20 manufacturers by capacity |
| R&D investment (2025–2027) | ¥12 billion (US$1.66B) | Focused on solid-state and sodium-ion batteries |
| Battery recycling rate | 68% | Well above China’s 52% average; compliance with EU regulations |
| Direct jobs in battery sector | 320,000+ | Supports provincial employment and skill development |
| Planned recycling facilities (new) | 5 | Will add 50 GWh annual processing capacity by 2026 |
These figures illustrate Anhui’s comprehensive battery ecosystem. The province’s low electricity costs (averaging ¥0.38/kWh for industrial users) and proximity to major EV assembly plants in Shanghai, Anhui, and Jiangsu further enhance its appeal. For foreign companies, participating in the forum offers an unmatched window into Anhui’s regulatory landscape, talent pool, and logistics advantages.
Implications for Global Supply Chains
The Global Battery Forum arrives at a critical juncture. China produces 73 percent of the world’s lithium-ion batteries, but trade tensions and regulatory divergence are prompting automakers to diversify sourcing. Anhui, as China’s fastest-growing battery hub, is positioning itself as a stable, high-quality alternative to dominant regions like Guangdong and Jiangsu. By hosting this forum, Anhui sends a signal of openness: it is willing to facilitate joint ventures, technology licensing, and co-location arrangements with foreign partners.
For European and North American executives, the forum provides a low-risk entry point to assess Anhui’s capabilities. The event’s focus on recycling and ESG performance is particularly timely given the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Anhui’s 68 percent recycling rate and its commitment to powering battery factories with hydroelectric and nuclear energy (renewable share now at 44 percent) help mitigate carbon footprint concerns. Several German OEMs have already indicated interest in sourcing Anhui-made batteries for their China-built EVs.
Moreover, the forum will unveil Anhui’s new “Battery Passport” pilot system, which uses blockchain to track raw material origins and manufacturing emissions. This system, developed with support from the China Electronics Technology Group, will be mandatory for all batteries produced in Anhui by 2026. Foreign companies that integrate with this system can streamline compliance with multiple jurisdictions, reducing due diligence costs by an estimated 20 percent.
Next Steps for Foreign Decision-Makers
- Attend the Global Battery Forum (November 12–14, 2025). Registration is now open at the official website (www.anhuibatteryforum.com). Early-bird rates end September 30. The forum includes pre-scheduled B2B meetings, factory tours of CATL’s Hefei mega-factory, and a dedicated “Battery Innovation Park” ribbon-cutting ceremony. Foreign delegates are encouraged to apply for the special visa support letter provided by the Anhui government.
- Evaluate direct investment in Anhui’s battery supply chain. The 30 investment-ready projects presented at the forum cover cathode materials, electrolyte production, module assembly, and recycling. Minimum investment thresholds are as low as US$10 million for joint ventures. The Anhui Investment Bureau offers a dedicated liaison for foreign companies, providing site selection, legal consultation, and tax credit assistance. Consider forming a consortium to share costs and risks.
- Partner with Anhui-based technology firms and research institutes. Anhui hosts 14 universities with strong battery programs, including the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Hefei University of Technology. The forum will host a “Technology Matchmaking” session where foreign companies can license patents in solid-state electrolytes, silicon anode materials, and AI-driven battery health monitoring. Non-equity R&D collaborations are also available under Anhui’s IP protection framework.
Executives who delay may find it harder to secure capacity from Anhui’s top tier suppliers, as 72 percent of the province’s 2026 output is already under long-term contracts. The Global Battery Forum is not just a conference—it is a gateway to the world’s most concentrated battery ecosystem, and Anhui is inviting global partners to shape its next growth phase.
— Anhui Gateway —