The project will help with the flexible adjustment of grid resources, and “effectively solve pressures relating to urban power supply”, Tesla said in a post to the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

“After completion, this project is expected to become the largest grid-side energy storage project in China,” Tesla added.

Such energy storage systems help to enhance stability in the electricity grid at a time when there are greater supplies of solar and wind power.

Chinese media outlet Yicai reported that Tesla Shanghai, Shanghai authorities and China Kangfu International Leasing Co held a signing ceremony yesterday for the project.

It added that the deal involved investments of 4 billion yuan.

The contract comes at a moment of tension between Washington and Beijing, with the two sides yet to hash out a long-term trade agreement following tariffs announced by president Donald Trump.

China and the US negotiated a “framework” agreement in London earlier this month following two days of marathon talks.