The Catalan Energy Cluster strengthens cooperation with Chinese technology leaders within the framework of Strategic Cluster Week

The Catalan Energy Cluster Manager, Francesc Ribera, traveled to China as part of the Catalan delegation participating in the Strategic Cluster Week, organized by ACCIÓ. Throughout the week, twenty Catalan clusters had the opportunity to closely explore the Chinese innovation ecosystem, visiting leading technology companies in sectors such as decarbonization, renewable energy, and energy efficiency—key areas for the transition towards a more sustainable economy.
A highlight of the Catalan delegation’s visit was to OPPO's headquarters in Shenzhen, where the company's main lines of innovation were presented, particularly in renewable energy management and efficient building solutions—two sectors with strong growth potential. The Catalan Energy Cluster Manager assessed positively the collaborative opportunities between companies and research centers within the cluster ecosystem, particularly in the fields of clean technologies, sustainable energy, and smart construction.
The delegation also visited Tencent's headquarters in Shenzhen, where they discussed the company's role in the digital transformation of various sectors, including energy. Tencent has integrated technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud solutions to develop platforms that optimize real-time energy management. The visit underscored the potential of these tools to enhance smart grid management and support the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
In addition to the company visits, the Catalan cluster delegation participated in several training sessions on the Chinese economy. Alicia García Herrero, an expert in Asian economics, provided an introductory session highlighting China's vast production capacity, and Coral Puig from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offered insights into consumer anthropology in China, emphasizing the importance of respecting Chinese cultural codes to succeed in this market.
The Catalan Energy Cluster's participation in this mission has established a strong foundation for cooperation with leading technology companies, which could play a crucial role in advancing decarbonization in Catalonia. The Strategic Cluster Week has been a significant step forward, opening new opportunities for international collaboration that will benefit both companies and the environment.