China: Martin Lidegaard meets the Chinese minister for energy, LIU Tienan

During his two-day visit to China Martin Lidegaard met with his Chinese colleague minister for energy Mr. LIU Tienan. The objective of the meeting was to follow up on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the minister and the Chinese ministry for energy, the “National Energy Administration” in June 2012 during President HU Jintao’s visit to Denmark. The Memorandum of Understanding strengthens the Sino-Danish cooperation to encourage renewable energy and confirms the growing Chinese demand for Danish experiences in the field of renewable energy.

The Memorandum of Understanding builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2012 by the Danish Energy Agency and the China National Renewable Energy Centre (CNREC) – an institution under the Chinese National Energy Administration that, with Danish co-financing and technical assistance and expertise, contributes with analyses of renewable energy technology to the Chinese authorities. The Danish Energy Agency contributes with technical expertise and assistance for several CNREC projects. An important element of the cooperation is a 2050 scenario work analysing the possibilities to reach a higher share of renewable energy in the Chinese energy system. The project will among others show how large a share of renewable energy it is possible to integrate into the Chinese energy system and where geographically it is most suitable to place renewable energy facilities. Also the project will clarify emission reductions, additional costs, macroeconomic effects etc. resulting from an extensive expansion with renewable energy. Furthermore, the Danish Energy Agency cooperates with CNREC to formulate schedules for integration of larger shares of solar energy, biomass, biogas and bio fuels in China in connection with the scenario project.

Another important focus area for the centre concerns a budget on 30 million DKK for energy research and development projects – the so-called Component 2 budget under the RED programme. The projects are developed in close cooperation between Danish and Chinese partners. The Danish embassy in Beijing and CNREC administer the budget in cooperation with the Danish Energy Agency’s advisor. There have been two calls for proposals in 2012 attaining much interest from research institutions and companies in Denmark as well as China. A publication of the results is soon expected.

For more information on the CNREC cooperation click here.

Søren Mensal Kristensen
Specialkonsulent
Center for Global Rådgivning og Forhandling
Tlf.:
smk@ens.dk