The 3rd China-Europe Energy Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum Successfully Held in Guangzhou
2024-08-27 | Beijing, Shanghai, South China
On 27th–28th August 2024, the Third China-Europe Energy Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum, jointly co-organised by the European Chamber, China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute and China Southern Power Grid, was successfully held in Guangzhou. The forum, themed "Innovating Together for Shared Future – Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation on Energy Technologies Between China and Europe," gathered representatives from energy authorities, embassies and consulates, industry players, research institutes and financial institutions from China and Europe. They engaged in discussions and shared insights on innovative practices in new types of power systems, hydrogen energy, smart energy, energy storage and wind power. The forum attracted 400 attendees on-site and 550,000 online.
2024年8月27日，由中国欧盟商会、电力规划设计总院、南方电网公司共同主办的第三届中欧能源技术创新合作论坛在广州召开。论坛以“携手创新，共享未来，推动中欧能源技术互利合作”为主题，来自中欧国家能源主管部门、使领馆、企业、研究院所、金融机构等各界代表齐聚一堂，就中欧在新型电力系统、氢能、智慧能源、储能、风能等领域的创新实践进行了交流和分享。现场参会人数达到400人，另有超过55万人线上收看了本论坛。
A small group meeting was convened ahead of the forum. A delegation led by Klaus Zenkel, Vice President of the European Chamber and Geraldine McCafferty, Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy Beijing, met with REN Jingdong, Vice Administrator of the National Energy Administration (NEA) and HU Hong, Deputy Secretary-General of People’s Government of Guangdong. Vice President Zenkel introduced the Chamber, the overall situation of European enterprises operating in South China and the main challenges they are facing. He indicated that most of European companies have committed to achieving carbon neutrality ahead of China's 30/60 goals, but the current supply of green electricity cannot meet their demand. Vice Administrator REN highlighted the abundant supply of renewable energy in China – it currently provides about one-third of the country's total power consumption, and encouraged European companies to procure Chinese Green Electricity Certificates (GECs) and promote its international recognition.
In the morning of 27th August, REN Jingdong, Vice Administrator of the National Energy Administration (NEA); Geraldine McCafferty, Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy Beijing; HU Hong, Deputy Secretary-General of People’s Government of Guangdong; TANG Yifeng, Deputy General Manager of China Southern Power Grid; and WU Yun, Deputy General Manager of China Energy Engineering Corporation, delivered opening remarks, while HU Ming, President of China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute, and Klaus Zenkel, Vice President of the European Chamber, gave welcome speeches.
Vice Administrator REN stated that the China-Europe Energy Technology Innovation Cooperation platform is a mechanism for energy cooperation focusing on technological innovation between China and Europe, now covering nearly 400 enterprises. The platform has organised hundreds of exchange activities, promoted dozens of joint research and development and innovation incubation projects, and its influence and brand strength have continued to expand. In the future, the platform should push for the implementation of more cooperation outcomes.
Vice President Zenkel pointed out the unique advantages of China and Europe in energy technologies, which are set to redefine global energy landscapes and drive sustainable development. China has emerged as a powerhouse in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind, while Europe is renowned for its advanced energy infrastructure and commitment to sustainability. He emphasised the need for continued dialogue to overcome political and economic differences.
During the achievements release session, five outstanding cooperation achievements and three cooperation intention projects were showcased.
Representatives from seven leading energy enterprises from China and Europe made keynote speeches on topics such as green energy cooperation, green electricity integration in the chemical industry, green hydrogen technologies, key success factors for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and new-type power system construction.
In the high-level dialogue, Kitty Xia, National Chair of Energy Working Group of the European Chamber and industry experts conducted an in-depth discussion on the expansion of application scenarios of China’s domestic green electricity certificates (GECs), the need for green electricity consumption certification, and suggestions on how to promote the international recognition of GECs.
In the afternoon of 27th August, four parallel sub-forums on hydrogen energy, smart energy, energy storage, and wind power were held, as well as a theme event on China-Finland energy cooperation.