Stakeholders work toward greener, more inclusive future

More than 500 delegates from over 40 countries discussed the future of the global energy sector at the second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference held from Oct 18-19 in the city of Qingdao, an increasingly important link in the world's energy network.

Participants in the conference, which bore the theme of joining hands toward a greener and more inclusive energy future, had in-depth discussions on experiences and plans for the future, and worked to build consensus so as to establish a network of closer partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, and to encourage concerted international action to respond to the challenges in energy transformation and energy security.

The conference adopted the Qingdao Initiative for Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation.

The document calls on all parties to make a concerted effort to support the green and low-carbon development of the energy sector in developing countries.

It proposes formulating more ambitious green energy development plans and targets, improving the reliability and resilience of green energy supply, creating a more attractive environment for green energy investment and enhancing cooperation in green energy technology innovation to augment the benefits of green energy for the economy and people's well-being.

As the world's largest energy producer and largest energy consumer, China is actively contributing "Chinese solutions" to climate change and energy efficiency enhancement under the Belt and Road framework.

The host city of Qingdao, in East China's Shandong province, is playing an increasingly important role in the global energy network.

In the field of energy infrastructure construction, Qingdao-based SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction has signed more than 70 EPC－engineering, procurement and construction－contracts with 26 countries and regions involved in the BRI. These projects include large-scale power plants and seawater desalination facilities. The aggregate installed capacity exceeds 87,000 megawatts, according to Qingdao Daily.

In the field of nuclear power, Qingdao-based Xianchu Energy Development Group has invited Ukrainian academicians to participate in its Sino-Ukrainian project, which involves research into cutting-edge technologies such as robots with strong radiation resistance, the lifetime extension of nuclear power plants, and the safe operation and monitoring of nuclear power plants, according to the newspaper.

The China-Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao is also expanding energy cooperation with countries and regions involved in the BRI by building international platforms in furtherance of global cooperation, trade and innovation in the energy sector.

These platforms include the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation international energy center, an international energy trade center, an international energy investment center, an international energy collaborative innovation center and a carbon neutrality demonstration area.

Green and low-carbon development is also a basic principle that the Qingdao government is following in formulating its energy development plans. According to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for Energy Development in the City of Qingdao (draft for soliciting comments),Qingdao will further enhance energy security, perfect the structure of energy consumption, improve the efficiency of energy utilization and control the total amount of energy consumption.

The city government will also step up scientific and technological innovation, and promote reforms of the energy system to build a clean, safe and efficient modern energy system that produces low levels of greenhouse gas emissions, the plan says.

Participants are awarded for their practices of international energy cooperation at the second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference in Qingdao, Shandong province earlier this month. CHINA DAILY

The Belt and Road Energy Partnership Cooperation Network is founded at the conference. CHINA DAILY