WEF Adds HiTHIUM to Global Lighthouse Network 2026, Marking Sector First

Chongqing, China – The World Economic Forum (WEF) has officially unveiled the newest members of its Global Lighthouse Network for 2026, creating a historic precedent for the battery industry. HiTHIUM’s Chongqing manufacturing base was selected for the prestigious list, distinguishing it as the world’s first Lighthouse Factory within the energy storage battery sector.

This selection marks a significant milestone for the global energy storage industry. The Chongqing facility is reportedly the first mass-production site globally dedicated specifically to kAh-level long-duration energy storage (LDES) batteries. By implementing systematic breakthroughs in intelligent manufacturing and digital transformation, the base has established a new benchmark for high-quality development throughout the energy storage value chain.

The Global Lighthouse Network is a collaborative initiative between the World Economic Forum and McKinsey & Company. It identifies and recognizes best-in-class operational sites that demonstrate exceptional performance across productivity, supply chain resilience, sustainability, and talent development. Guided by an advisory board of industry leaders, the network aims to shape the future of manufacturing. With the 2026 inductions, the total number of recognized Lighthouse Factories has reached 224 worldwide, with HiTHIUM standing as the sole representative for energy storage batteries to date.

"Competitiveness today is no longer defined by efficiency alone, but by the ability to sense, adapt and respond at speed," stated Kiva Allgood, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, regarding the new cohort. "This year’s industrial transformation sites show how intelligence-led operations are being scaled to place resilience and sustainability at the core of how industry operates."

A "Thinking" Factory Redefining Production Standards

As lithium-ion technology becomes critical for grid stability and renewable energy integration, the storage sector faces mounting pressure. Manufacturers are contending with surging global demand and cost constraints while adhering to strict consistency requirements. Industry analysts note that traditional manufacturing models are struggling to keep pace with these evolving variables.

Addressing these challenges, HiTHIUM’s Chongqing base has deployed a comprehensive intelligent manufacturing strategy. The facility focuses on near-zero-defect production and systematic cost optimization through the continuous application of lean production principles. These efforts have reportedly yielded substantial improvements in production capacity, yield rates, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

At the heart of this transformation is what the company describes as a factory that can "think." The Chongqing base utilizes over 40 distinct digital solutions, integrating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), machine learning, and AIoT technologies. These tools provide full-lifecycle intelligent control—covering R&D, material selection, manufacturing, and final inspection. This data-driven, closed-loop system is designed to ensure product consistency, providing a foundation for safety and reliability in energy storage systems.

Leading the Charge in LDES Industrialization

Leveraging its mature intelligent manufacturing framework, HiTHIUM is aggressively targeting the Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) market. The Chongqing base has expanded its adaptability to support various technical pathways, establishing itself as a central hub for LDES industrialization.

notably, the facility operates the world’s first dedicated production line for LDES batteries. In June 2025, the company’s $\infty$Cell 1175Ah LDES battery entered mass production at the site. This was followed in October by the global delivery of the $\infty$Power 6.25MWh 4h LDES BESS, which utilizes the new battery technology. By December, the system was highlighted as the sole representative of the energy storage sector at a national-level exhibition showcasing advancements in Chinese manufacturing.

Moving forward, HiTHIUM intends to use its status as a Lighthouse Factory to demonstrate the value of intelligent R&D and agile supply chain networks. As a leader in the industrial chain, the company plans to drive digital transformation among its upstream and downstream partners to foster a more collaborative ecosystem. Through the export of these scalable manufacturing practices, HiTHIUM aims to support the safe, high-quality global deployment of LDES systems, contributing to the broader transition toward sustainable energy.

Edit by paco

Last Update:2026-01-17 09:06:57