China, Asian partners set to jointly drive green transition

Since the adoption of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015, green and low-carbon development has emerged as a global trend. The ongoing 13th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development, which runs from Monday through Wednesday, focuses on sustainable energy development and transformation of energy systems. The forum is of great significance for advancing global green and sustainable development.

Climate change poses a real threat to human society. Accelerating the rate of energy transition is one of the most important measures in addressing the climate crisis.

At COP28, the States Parties launched the global energy transition process, with the aim to "transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner". At COP29, which concluded on Nov 24, the Parties agreed on a package of outcomes, including the climate finance arrangement for the next decade.

Although there is a huge gap between what this finance arrangement offers and the pressing needs of the majority of developing countries, COP29 provided an important impetus to global green development and energy transition. China stands ready to join all the parties to implement the outcomes of COP28 and COP29 fully and effectively, on the basis of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Global energy transition is accelerating, and the development of new energy industries is booming, which also serves as a new source of economic growth for all countries.

In 2023, the installed capacity of new renewable energy globally exceeded 560 gigawatts, while investment in clean energy averaged nearly $2 trillion annually, marking a doubling in total investments compared to fossil fuels.

Asia stands as the engine of the world economy and a crucial region in the process of global energy transition. However, it is also characterized by a vast population and high emissions, posing formidable challenges on the path to economic transformation and energy transition.

Asia remains a significant driver of global growth, with its energy demand maintaining an increasing trend. The consumption of electricity in the region today accounts for almost half of that of the world. In the process of green energy transition, ensuring energy security is a huge challenge for most Asian countries.

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, many Asian cities are facing dual challenges: how to control air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Most Asian countries are developing economies, which lack sufficient capital, technology and stable supply chains.

Asian countries have to achieve carbon neutrality within a shorter time frame compared to Western countries. The United States will reach carbon neutrality in 40 years after carbon peaking. For European countries, this will take more than 60 years. But for most Asian countries, this will happen in about 30 years. Taking into account the fact that most Asian countries are still in the process of industrialization, the window of opportunity for energy transition is relatively narrow.

To facilitate energy transition within Asia, we should, in the first place, foster a just transition of energy. We should adhere to the principle of "establishing the new before abolishing the old", ensuring that the transition is grounded in maintaining energy security and accessibility. We should embrace the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respect the right of each country to choose its own energy development model tailored to its own national circumstances and resource endowments.

For energy security and development needs, Asian countries should prioritize the deployment of renewable energy in new energy consumption. For the portion of fossil fuels to be retained, clean and efficient use should be actively promoted. Meanwhile, new technologies, such as carbon capture, utilization and storage, should be vigorously pursued to minimize the adverse impacts of fossil fuel utilization.

Second, we should join hands to reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants are mostly of the same origin. By addressing both issues together, we could avoid policy fragmentation, minimize obstacles in implementation, mobilize public support and achieve an effect of "one plus one being greater than two". China has been exploring the dual reduction of pollution and carbon emissions. By strengthening policy coordination, China's urban sky has become bluer and the air cleaner. We are eager to share our efforts and good experiences with other Asian countries in this regard.

Third, we should consider building a regional cooperation platform for energy transition. Such a platform should foster regional cooperation and overcome challenges in energy transition, such as shortage of green technology, climate finance and production supply. This platform should be composed of all stakeholders including governments, international or regional organizations, and the business sector. It should promote knowledge sharing and technological cooperation, assisting regional countries in finding the right path to energy transition that suits their unique national circumstances. It should facilitate cooperation among business sectors. China stands ready to cooperate with other countries on technologies and experiences under this platform, as well as relevant initiatives like the Global Clean Energy Partnership, to jointly promote regional energy transition and economic development.

China adheres to the concept of harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature, and has witnessed leapfrog development in renewable energy. It is committed to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement. We are determined to promote global energy transition as well as green and low-carbon development.

Over the past 10 years, the proportion of nonfossil energy consumption in China has risen from 10.2 percent to 17.9 percent. For many consecutive years, China ranked first in the world in terms of installed capacity of new energy, accounting for about 40 percent of the world's total. In 2023, the new installations accounted for more than half of the world's total. Currently, renewable energy power generation accounts for about 35.5 percent of all power generation in China, which means that for every three kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed in China, one kilowatt-hour is green power.

China also ensures technological innovation to meet the needs of the energy market. New energy technologies such as wind power and photovoltaic power generation are at internationally advanced levels.

China has developed a complete new energy industry chain, supplying 70 percent of the wind power equipment and more than 80 percent of photovoltaic modules to the world. This has contributed to reducing the average cost of electricity derived from wind power and photovoltaics by more than 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively.

We are determined to maintain this manufacturing chain to help keep the cost of renewable energy for developing countries affordable.

China will join hands with other Asian countries and all the partners, in a collective effort to further promote regional energy transition and reshape the regional energy system. Together, we shall make new contributions to global energy and sustainable development.

The author is China special envoy for climate change. The article is based on his speech delivered at the 13th International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.