MADRID -- A Chinese scientist and his team won the European Inventor Award 2023 for the "Non-EPO countries" category for reducing the risk of battery explosion and fire in electric vehicles at an award ceremony held in Valencia, eastern Spain, the European Patent Office announced on Tuesday.

Wu Kai, chief scientist of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, and his team developed a lithium-ion battery with a top cover that acts as a barrier to mitigate battery safety risks. The EPO said the invention helps ensure the safety of vehicles equipped with lithium-ion batteries containing a flammable electrolyte.

"Electric vehicles powered by our advanced and safe batteries are enabling more people to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, contributing to the global energy transition," said Wu.

Spanish chemist Avelino Corma Canos, a widely recognized pioneer in the field of catalysts, received the European Inventor Award for Lifetime Achievement for his seminal work in synthetic catalysts.

"The innovation shown by this year's winners in the face of the many shared challenges of the modern world, such as sustainability, energy transition and social inequality, is a source of inspiration," said EPO President Antonio Campinos at the ceremony.

The winners of this year's European Inventor Award were chosen from more than 600 nominees worldwide. Many of their innovations aim to improve people's daily lives and address significant societal challenges, such as environmental issues or the energy transition.