Finance
Schroders to partner with China's CATL on European battery projects
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 30, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 30, 2026
Quick Summary
Schroders partners with CATL to explore battery projects in Europe, aiming to enhance UK-China relations. The strategic memorandum involves Lochpine Capital.
Schroders to partner with China's CATL on European battery projects
Schroders and CATL Partnership Overview
LONDON, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Schroders said on Friday it would work with Chinese battery giant CATL to explore developing projects in Europe, the latest tie-up signed between a British and Chinese firm during UK prime minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing.
Strategic Memorandum Details
The British money manager said in a statement its Greencoat unit had signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with CATL and Hong Kong-based private equity firm Lochpine Capital, and that the parties would work together to develop an investment platform in Europe for battery energy storage systems.
Implications for UK-China Relations
Starmer has followed his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney in trying to improve ties with China, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's warning about getting into business with Beijing.
Recent Developments in Energy Sector
China's CATL has attracted scrutiny in the U.S., with a senior Republican lawmaker this week raising questions about Ford's partnership with the company. Schroders was not immediately available for comment on the matter.
Among other deals, Britain's Octopus Energy earlier on Friday said it has formed a joint venture with China's PCG Power to trade renewable energy.
(Reporting by Iain WithersEditing by Tomasz Janowski)
Key Takeaways
- •Schroders partners with China's CATL for European projects.
- •A strategic memorandum was signed with Lochpine Capital.
- •The partnership aims to develop battery energy storage systems.
- •This collaboration is part of UK-China economic ties improvement.
- •The deal coincides with UK PM Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Schroders to partner with China's CATL on European battery projects
1What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
2What is battery energy storage?
Battery energy storage is a technology that stores energy for later use, allowing for the management of energy supply and demand, especially in renewable energy systems.
3What is a partnership in business?
A partnership in business is a formal arrangement where two or more parties collaborate to manage and operate a business, sharing profits, losses, and responsibilities.
4What is investment in finance?
Investment in finance refers to the allocation of resources, usually money, with the expectation of generating an income or profit over time.
