China's eastern province of Shandong has set an ambitious goal to develop a 100 billion-yuan ($13.8 billion) lithium battery industry by next year, according to a local government notice released on Monday. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing all aspects of lithium battery production, from electrode materials and electrolytes. The plan also highlights expanding the range of consumer batteries, focusing on improved quality and performance, and prioritising research and development efforts. To achieve these goals, the provincial government will provide targeted support for specific cities within Shandong. Jinan and Qingdao will see development programmes focused on companies involved in raw material production and battery assembly, aligning with the needs of regional new energy vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, cities like Zaozhuang and Jining will receive support for boosting lithium battery manufacturing and energy storage projects. Attribution: Reuters
