The energy industry is at the forefront of strengthening ties between China and France, showcasing how collaboration in this sector can drive mutual growth and innovation. Over the past four decades, French energy company Electricité de France (EDF) has played a pivotal role in this partnership, becoming one of the largest foreign investors in China’s electricity generation.
EDF’s journey in China began in the mid-1980s with participation in the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, marking the start of Sino-foreign energy cooperation on a large scale. This pioneering spirit continued with the Dongtai offshore wind power project in Jiangsu Province—the first Sino-foreign offshore wind farm in China. Jointly operated by EDF and China Energy Investment Corporation, this project symbolizes the commitment of both nations to renewable energy and sustainable development.
In recent years, EDF has diversified its business portfolio in China, expanding from nuclear and thermal activities to renewables, energy distribution, low-carbon energy services, and innovative digital solutions. This strategic shift aligns with China’s energy market transformation towards greener and more distributed energy systems.
The rapid changes in China’s energy landscape have opened new opportunities for EDF and its Chinese partners. The deepening of electricity market reforms since 2015, the acceleration of renewable energy deployment in line with China’s carbon neutrality goals by 2060, and the successful operation of advanced nuclear reactors like the Taishan European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) highlight the dynamic progress in the sector.
EDF’s collaborations with major Chinese companies such as China General Nuclear Power Group, China Datang Corporation, China Energy Investment Corporation, China National Nuclear Corporation, and State Power Investment Corporation, as well as academic institutions like Xi’an Jiaotong University, exemplify the deep-rooted and multifaceted nature of Sino-French cooperation.
As the global focus on energy transition intensifies, the partnership between China and France in the energy industry serves as a model for international collaboration. By leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, both countries are advancing towards a sustainable and innovative energy future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
