International leaders to share insights, discuss green energy at key event

China's efforts in promoting sustainable development through efficient use of green energy resources have been recognized by the world, according to delegates to the Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum, held from Oct 22 to 24.

The 2019 Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum is one of the major international events held in the capital city of Shanxi province. Taiyuan had hosted three editions of the forum before this year's event.

Officials from the governments of various countries and international organizations, business leaders and experts in the energy industries attend the forum and share their insights into a range of topics covering renewable energies, energy use efficiency to emission reduction, climate change and sustainable development.

The event includes a summit forum during the opening ceremony, an energy industry exhibition and six sub-forums.

During the six sub-forums, delegates will discuss the latest development in the areas of efficient use of coal resources, natural gas exploration and utilization, internet for energy, pressing challenges for new energies, nuclear power and hydrogen energy.

According to Sun Yuejin, deputy secretary-general of the event's secretariat, the Taiyuan forum aims to build "a high-profile and authoritative dialogue platform for the world's top brains in the industry to share their visions and talk about cooperation for sustainable development".

"The forum is also expected to make China's voice heard in the international community, so as to contribute its intelligence, experiences and visions for building an environmentally friendly society across the globe," Sun said.

Jiri Paroubek, former prime minister of the Czech Republic, was among the world leaders who signed the Paris Climate Agreement during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015. Paroubek commended China's efforts in "assuming its responsibility for global climate governance and actively participating in the negotiation of the Paris agreement".

"It is heartening to note that the solar power plants put into operation by China by 2017 have accounted for one-half of the world's total number," Paroubek said. He added he has noticed China's efforts in gradually restricting coal mining, supporting green innovation, reducing solar and wind power prices and creating new jobs.

Delegates also hailed the Taiyuan forum as an important platform for people from all sides to speak freely, exchange experiences and promote cooperation.

U Ohn Win, Myanmar's minister for natural resources and environmental conservation, talked at the forum about his country's experience in dealing with climate change by developing "resilient and low carbon energy, transport and industrial systems for sustainable growth".

He noted that, along with renewable energy, energy efficiency will also play a key role in promoting low carbon development in Myanmar.

He said he expects to use the Taiyuan forum as an opportunity for investment cooperation, guiding funds to Myanmar's renewable energy and energy efficiency-related industries.

Tohmei Takekawa, president of Japan's Global Consortium for Energy and Environment, said he hopes Shanxi, the host province of the forum, can expand exchanges and cooperation with Japanese enterprises as the province is rich in coal-to-hydrogen resources and is very likely to become a demonstration area for China to promote a low carbon economy.

Kou Wei, chairman of State Grid, talked about the importance of emerging technologies in improving the efficiency of energy utilization.

He mentioned the use of internet of things in electricity, hailing it as an important way for improving efficiency in the power industry.