Summary of Key Points
Recently, China and Europe have made significant strides in the international recognition of green energy: The 4th China-Europe Energy Technology Innovation Cooperation Forum launched initiatives for green energy parks and a collection of supply solutions, and established an international certification consortium. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan also emphasizes the need to improve the green energy certificate system and enhance its international credibility. Both parties are taking these actions due to corporate challenges (such as the lack of cross-border recognition for green energy and high costs associated with duplicate certifications), as well as because of their complementary strengths (Europe’s technology and China’s industrial base). The ultimate goal is to facilitate the cross-border circulation of green energy, overcome trade barriers, save companies money, make products more marketable, and accelerate global energy transition.
New Achievements in Green Energy Recognition between China and Europe
The outcomes of this forum are all aimed at ensuring that green energy is recognized and can be freely traded:
1. RE100·China Green Power Parks Initiative: Encourages domestic parks to use exclusively green energy (such as wind and solar power), effectively giving them a “green label” that makes their products more competitive.
2. Green Energy (Zero-Carbon) Park Supply Solutions Collection: Provides practical guidelines for parks on how to procure green energy, such as purchasing wind or solar power directly or building their own renewable energy facilities, addressing the issue of wanting to adopt green practices but not knowing where to start.
3. International Cooperation Innovation Consortium for Green Energy Certification: Composed of the China Electric Power Planning and Design Institute and five leading European certification organizations (including Bureau Veritas and TÜV Nord), with the aim of establishing a mutual recognition network. This means that companies can obtain certifications recognized by both China and the EU with a single test, eliminating the need for duplicate certifications.
The Need for Green Energy Recognition
The challenges faced by companies are evident:
- Cross-border Recognition Issues: Products manufactured with green energy in China may not be recognized in Europe, potentially requiring additional proof or facing barriers like the EU’s carbon border tax.
- High Costs of Duplicate Certifications: Companies exporting to Europe previously had to obtain separate certifications from both China and Europe, resulting in duplicate testing and expenses. Experts from Bureau Veritas advocate for a single test that grants certifications for both regions, reducing costs significantly.
- Overcoming Trade Barriers: Many countries have implemented green trade policies (e.g., requiring the use of green energy in imported products). With mutual recognition of green energy certificates, Chinese companies can enter these markets without hindrance.
Support from Chinese Policies
Green energy recognition is not a spontaneous effort by companies; it is backed by national initiatives:
- 2024 Government Work Report: Clearly states the promotion of green energy use and international recognition as part of a national strategy.
- 15th Five-Year Plan for the New Energy System: Details a plan to establish a mandatory and voluntary green energy certificate system, improve certification standards, and enhance the international credibility of these certificates, with a focus on overcoming trade barriers.
The Strengths of China-Europe Cooperation
The cooperation between China and Europe is based on their complementary strengths:
- European Advantages: Europe is a pioneer in energy transition, possessing advanced technologies (such as wind and solar power) and extensive R&D experience.
- Chinese Advantages: China is the largest investor in clean energy, with a complete industrial chain from photovoltaic panel production to power station construction. It also has a large market and vibrant corporate innovation.
Previous cooperation between the two regions has been successful, with the China-Europe Energy Technology Platform facilitating research projects in over 10 countries and the implementation of more than 20 commercial initiatives.
Benefits of Green Energy Recognition
This collaboration is beneficial for everyone:
- Cost Savings for Companies: Reduced certification costs mean lower prices for products like household appliances, cars, and clothing.
- Environmentally Friendly Products: Products labeled as “green energy” will be more environmentally friendly and contribute to environmental protection.
- Cleaner Energy: Increased use of green energy will drive the development of new renewable energy sources, improving the quality of our electricity supply and the environment.
In summary, the mutual recognition of green energy between China and Europe is a win-win situation. It saves companies money, strengthens bilateral cooperation, and accelerates global energy transition. For individuals, it means a greener and more affordable future.