Forum gathers officials to discuss China's green energy goals

The green and low-carbon development of energy will play a key role in achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, officials said at a forum held in Beijing on Friday.

The forum was centered on promoting China's dual carbon goals and green development, according to organizers.

The government has taken consistent action to reform the energy sector, from optimizing its energy mix to turbocharging renewable energy storage by building large wind power and photovoltaic bases in deserts, said Ou Hong, deputy secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission.

China has pledged to peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, which would be the world's biggest cut in carbon emission intensity in the shortest time frame. Joint efforts from the government, enterprises and individuals are indispensable, attendees said, to fulfill the country's carbon neutrality commitment.

State-owned enterprises are well positioned to take the lead in establishing a green, low-carbon and circular economy. For China, developing its own renewable energy capacity "with tech advantage" could help achieve energy security and its future, said Qian Zhimin, chairman of State Power Investment Corporation Limited.

He reiterated the need for independently developed energy-saving and emission-reducing technology, adding SIPC will join with society to integrate its energy resources and tech with more industries.

"Our group has piloted the 'sponge city' project around China, while building integrated management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts in response to the concept of ecological environment construction," said Zhang Zhaoxiang, general manager of China State Construction Engineering Group Co., Ltd.

China Datang Corporation has taken its own coal-fired power plant in Inner Mongolia as an example to help build a clean and diversified energy supply system. Deputy general manager Peng Yong explained it is fired by coal but in a clean and efficient way for electricity output.