China’s pursuit of clean energy is accelerating the global ecological transformation – Xinhua

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — China’s relentless efforts to develop clean energy and foster global cooperation have emerged as a key factor in propelling the world towards a greener future, experts and entrepreneurs say.

“China has emerged as a significant participant and leader in global clean energy development,” said Yang Lei, vice dean of the Energy Institute of Beijing University, at a sub-forum of the 14th China Overseas Investment Expo, which ended on Tuesday.

Data from the National Energy Administration showed that China in 2023 generated more than 50 percent of the 510 gigawatts of newly installed renewable energy generation capacity globally. They also have a dominant position in the production of photovoltaic components, wind turbines and batteries.

The development of China’s clean energy industry is a testament to the country’s industrial prowess and a clear expression of the country’s strong commitment to pursue green and low-carbon development.

China announced that it would peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060. This commitment further spurred the development of clean energy products.

“China’s strong capacity to produce clean energy products has lowered the costs of the ecological transition, paving the way for large-scale development of renewable energy around the world and the phase-out of fossil fuels,” Yang said.

Meanwhile, China has committed to providing affordable Chinese solutions for the global energy transition.

Li Fei, representing PowerChina International Group Limited, explained the company’s role in promoting sustainable development since its entry into the overseas wind energy market in 2011.

Citing one of their landmark projects, Adama Wind Power Project 1 in Ethiopia, Li said it is the company’s first project designed and equipped with Chinese technology, which has contributed significantly to bringing clean energy to Africa.

As of December last year, the company had completed wind and photovoltaic energy generation projects in over 20 countries with a total installed capacity of 50.4 gigawatts, including 18.7 gigawatts of wind energy and 31.7 gigawatts of photovoltaics.

Over the past few years, the company has been exploring the possibility of pursuing hydrogen energy projects in overseas markets, Li said, noting that a hydrogen wind power project in Uzbekistan has come to fruition, marking the first overseas hydrogen energy initiative undertaken by Chinese companies.

The infrastructure company’s story epitomizes China’s efforts at international cooperation in the clean energy sector. The country is actively involved in power infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa. Notable ventures include the Kaleta hydroelectric project in Guinea and the Belo Monte electricity transmission projects in Brazil.

China’s wind and photovoltaic power products have also been exported to more than 200 countries and regions, which has helped reduce electricity generation costs around the world.

As a staunch practitioner of strengthening global cooperation, China has partnered with more than 100 countries on green energy projects. She also conducted various forms of cooperation within the framework of cooperation in the field of the Green Belt and Road.

Vladimir Norov, former Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, highlighted the tangible progress made by Chinese enterprises in energy and electricity storage projects in Uzbekistan, his home country.

Last October, Uzbekistan and China reached an agreement on cooperation on renewable energy, a key step towards increasing energy security and achieving carbon neutrality.

“China is crucial for Central Asia,” Norow said. “The demand for clean energy in Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan, is significant. “I hope Chinese enterprises will be more active in investing in this region.” ■