Swissnex Lab: Renewable Energy China

Unlock research collaborations, industry partnerships and cultural immersion opportunities in China’s dynamic renewable energy ecosystem!

 

China has established itself as the global leader in renewable energy production, including hydroelectricity, solar power, and wind power, as well as the construction of ultra-high voltage power lines crucial to a greener future. To reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China plans to accelerate the development of a new energy system and actively participate in global governance against climate change. The country’s high-speed technological development and immense scale offer exciting opportunities for the renewable energy sector.

The 5-day workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of China’s renewable energy landscape, covering the latest technological innovations, regulatory frameworks, financing models, and opportunities and challenges for international collaboration. Through interactive activities like presentations and case studies, participants can engage with experts from industry and academia, exchange ideas, and map pathways for research and business collaboration. The workshop also offers follow-up support to facilitate valuable connections and partnerships.

If you have any further inquiries, please contact Libing Gu – Head of Academic Relations: [email protected].

 

key takeaways from the workshop

Day 1 (Oct 30, Monday): Overview of Renewable Energy in China

Policy is the driving force behind the market in China, and understanding it is a powerful tool for making tangible progress towards decarbonization, beyond technology alone. The Chinese government has set ambitious goals, aiming to reach the peak of carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To guide their efforts, China formulated five-year plans that outline priorities and provide a roadmap.

The policy serves as the roadmap:

  • Identify key issues within the policy hierarchy to determine the problems you can address effectively.
  • Policy highlights both challenges and solutions. It is crucial to demonstrate how your technology solves these key problems.
  • Proactive companies that actively contribute to shaping policy are recognized and rewarded for the problems they help solve. Successful engagement with key stakeholders is essential for achieving this.

 

Day 2 (Oct 31, Tuesday): Technology and Innovation in Renewable Energy

The increasing production of renewable energy brings forth the need for effective production forecasting solutions. The inherent randomness, fluctuations, and intermittency of renewable energy production result in total power production being only half of the installed capacity in China. Current power grids are ill-prepared for the widespread adoption of renewables due to the variability and intensity of production. Smart grids play a vital role in addressing these challenges by extending the focus beyond technology and encompassing the entire energy system. Integration of artificial intelligence, data analysis, weather forecasts, and other factors helps maintain a balance among energy sources, ensuring supply meets demand.

Furthermore, China actively engages in the development and investment of alternative energy sources such as green hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuel.

 

Day 3 (Nov 1, Wednesday): Opportunities and Challenges for International Collaboration

European research centers, universities, and enterprises have been the primary recipients of Chinese R&D funds, accounting for 34.7% of the total funding. Over the past decade, Europe has emerged as the leading partner in terms of joint projects with China. Collaboration between China and Europe is crucial to addressing global challenges with global solutions. By working together, they can ensure a fair and equitable energy transition where the benefits of clean energy are shared by all countries.

China has ambitious plans to increase its biomethane production from 0.2 Gm3/year in 2021 to 20 Gm3/year by 2030, with a planned investment of 1.2 trillion RMB. Currently, China is reducing regulatory restrictions and barriers for some international technology transfers. However, it is important to note that certain technologies from China remain prohibited for transfer abroad.

By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a more open approach to technology transfer, China and Europe can further advance the development and deployment of clean energy solutions on a global scale.

 

Day 4 (Nov 2, Thursday): Communications and Public Engagement

To foster community engagement and sustainability, continuous innovation, the inclusion of new partners, and the development of fresh concepts are essential. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in engaging the public and conveying a compelling message.

In China, three key stakeholders contribute to these efforts: the government, companies, and individuals. Obtaining government support and recognition is crucial for success in China. Moreover, the business sector and individuals are interconnected in a symbiotic relationship. Businesses have the potential to exert significant influence on millions of individuals, making them a powerful leverage point for driving sustainability initiatives.

 

Day 5 (Nov 3, Friday): Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations in Renewable Energy Research and Application

Collaboration between meteorology and energy stations is crucial for achieving a balance among various power sources and maintaining grid frequency. This collaboration plays a vital role in ensuring that the supply of energy aligns with the demand.

Climate Fintech represents the convergence of climate, finance, and digital technology. It encompasses a range of digital innovations, applications, and platforms that serve as crucial financial intermediaries for all stakeholders involved in decarbonization efforts. By leveraging technology, Climate Fintech enables sustainable finance across various financial categories, supporting the transition to a decarbonized economy.

 

Speakers

  • snx
  • zhaw

About Swissnex Lab

Swissnex is a global network connecting Switzerland to the world in research, education, and innovation. Swissnex partners with ZHAW to co-create a variety of programs, including in-person, virtual and hybrid formats, designed to expand the professional networks of ZHAW staff across six Swissnex locations. These unique initiatives aim to enhance international cooperation and promote exchange opportunities for ZHAW staff members and their respective departments. Swissnex Lab is a new offering which comprises of a one-week virtual program on trending topics, where participants will engage in talks, interactive discussions and networking activities with key stakeholders from the local Swissnex ecosystem.