G20 ministers highlight renewable energy in Beijing communique

Li Fanrong, vice administrator of the National Energy Administration delivers a welcome speech at the G20 Natural Gas Summit Forum held in Beijing on June 29, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - G20 energy and natural resources ministers wrapped up a two-day meeting in Beijing on Thursday, discussing topics of renewable energy, chances and challenges on global energy development, and energy technology and innovation.

G20 members are encouraged to formulate development strategies and action plans to boost renewable energy investment and consumption, according to a Beijing communique and three other plans released after the meeting.

The ministers agreed to boost energy access not only for people in Sub-Saharan Africa but also for the Asian-Pacific region where 500 million people still have no access to electricity.

The communique also suggested G20 members hold dialogues on emergencies in this field, guard against market disruptions and promote energy safety.

The meeting is a preparation for a sectoral ministerial meeting of Hangzhou G20 summit in September.