China’s advancements in green technology are playing a pivotal role in accelerating Europe’s energy transition, according to Huw Slater, a climate and energy specialist at ClientEarth. With over a decade of experience in China, Slater highlights the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy technologies as a key factor in global efforts to combat climate change.
“When I first came to China 13 years ago, it was the excitement of how fast things were moving,” Slater shared. “The way that China has managed to bring the costs of technologies like solar and wind power down through domestic applications has made it much more affordable for other countries, including Europe, to deploy them.”
The collaborative relationship between China and the European Union (EU) has been instrumental in this progress. While Europe benefits from the reduced cost of renewable technologies due to China’s large-scale production and innovation, China, in turn, learns from Europe’s experience with mechanisms like carbon pricing and carbon markets.
“China is also implementing its own carbon pricing mechanism, learning from Europe’s strategies,” Slater noted. “This bilateral engagement is longstanding and a very strong point for international cooperation on climate.”
However, recent tensions have arisen as the EU announced an investigation into China’s electric vehicle exports, citing concerns over state subsidies. China, on the other hand, attributes its success in this sector to technological innovation. Slater emphasizes the importance of dialogue in resolving these differences.
“I think that’s really important, the listening side of things,” he said. “To do the energy transition quickly, we need these key technologies to get cheaper over time so that we can apply them in the marketplace. We need to work together to find ways where economic value and jobs can be found on both sides.”
Looking ahead, Slater remains optimistic about the potential for continued cooperation between China and the EU, especially in the face of global uncertainties. “The strength of the relationship that’s been built over the last decade or two puts us in good stead,” he concluded. “It’s important that we keep that going in the future, as international cooperation can lead to more progress.”
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China's green technology is 'critical' to Europe's energy transition
cgtn.com
