As nations worldwide seek sustainable solutions, China's collaboration with Iceland on geothermal energy offers a blueprint for cross-border green innovation. Former Icelandic diplomat Ragnar Baldursson, in a recent discussion, highlighted how Iceland's geothermal expertise aligns with China's push for carbon neutrality, calling it a 'model of mutual respect between large and small nations.'
Baldursson emphasized that China's green transition is deeply rooted in its philosophical traditions. The concept of 'Tian Ren He Yi'—harmony between humanity and nature—resonates through initiatives like the China-Iceland Geothermal Energy Training Center established in 2012. 'This isn't just technology transfer,' he noted. 'It's about shared values of sustainability that transcend scale.'
The sinologist also drew connections between China's cultural history and its modern global engagements. Principles like 'He' (cooperation) and 'Xin' (trust), developed through millennia of agricultural collaboration, now manifest in joint ventures like Sinopec's geothermal heating projects using Icelandic technology. 'These partnerships succeed because they're built on cultural foundations, not just contracts,' Baldursson observed.
For investors and policymakers, this synergy presents opportunities: China plans to double geothermal heating capacity by 2025, creating a $150 billion market. Academics note the case study's relevance for South-South cooperation, while diaspora communities see it as evidence of Asia's growing role in shaping sustainable development paradigms.
