2023-07-08
On the morning of June 30th, the "China-Africa New Energy Cooperation Forum" was held in Changsha.
(Chen Yanbing) A report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that by 2030, there will still be 660 million people without electricity globally, most of whom live in the region south of the Sahara Desert. How will the electricity needs of these residents be addressed?
On the morning of June 30th, the "China-Africa New Energy Cooperation Forum" was held in Changsha, with ambassadors, minister counsellors, and counsellors at the South African Embassy in China from several African countries attending the forum. Many of them recommended the opportunities and projects in their respective countries on stage. The forum aims to further promote the industrial synergy between China and Africa in the field of new energy, and contribute to the leap-forward development of bilateral new energy cooperation.
The establishment ceremony of the China-Africa New Energy Industry Alliance.
Since 2000, China has been continuously building a new energy system, and clean energy investment has ranked first in the world for many years, with wind power and photovoltaic installed capacity ranking first in the world. China places high importance on cooperation with Africa in the field of new energy. Serving as a key partner in the development of new energy in Africa, China contributes to the strong foundation and bridging of gaps through mutually beneficial cooperation.
China has assisted numerous African countries in establishing significant new energy projects. In Kenya, the Garissa Photovoltaic Power Project stands as the largest photovoltaic power station in East Africa, generating over 76 million KWH annually and reducing 64,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. In June 2022, the Sakai Photovoltaic Power Station, the first photovoltaic power station in the Central African Republic wholly contracted by the China Energy Engineering Corporation, was successfully connected to the grid for electricity generation. In Ethiopia, the Aysha Wind Power Station, constructed by Dongfang Electric Corporation, has been completed. In South Africa, the De Aar Wind Power Project, operated by China Longyuan Power Group, has achieved a total installed capacity of 244,500 KW, producing over 750 million KWH annually and reducing more than 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide. Chinese enterprises have adopted a consortium model to sign the Geothermal Power Station project (Phase I) in Tulu Moye, Ethiopia, which, upon completion, will effectively optimize the local power supply structure.
Foreign guests attending the forum.
Jiang Yun, Secretary-General of the China Overseas Development Association, in his address, pointed out two key aspects for future China-Africa new energy cooperation: firstly, focusing on improving livelihoods. With over 600 million people in Africa living without access to electricity, addressing this urgent power demand should be the primary consideration in China-Africa new energy cooperation. Secondly, strengthen technological cooperation. China boasts advantages in low-cost, versatile, and easily adaptable new energy technologies. Strengthening technological collaboration in the field of new energy between China and Africa is instrumental in bolstering the sustainable development capacity of energy and electricity in Africa. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over the past decade, China and African countries have unfolded a collaborative narrative in new energy under the BRI, offering vast prospects for clean energy cooperation between China and Africa. In the next decade, China and Africa can further deepen existing cooperation, establish production capacity cooperation mechanisms, and construct new energy industrial parks, exploring new solutions for South-South and sustainable development cooperation, and global development transformation.
Solomon Tesfaye Terryra, Minister Counsellor at the Ethiopian Embassy in China, expressed that China enjoys a consistent advantage in new energy, and Africa boasts abundant natural resources and renewable energy. He hopes the extensive and fruitful partnership between Chinese and African enterprises to be witnessed through this forum, so that solar, power plants, wind farms, hydroelectric projects, and other renewable energy projects can be established across the African continent. These initiatives have improved electricity supply in rural areas, promoted socio-economic development, enhanced the quality of life for millions, and contributed to Africa's energy security. He explained that Ethiopia has unveiled a ten-year development plan, presenting fresh opportunities for foreign enterprises in contracting and investment. He expressed the hope that Chinese companies would deepen their understanding of Ethiopia's investment environment, transportation, energy, and agricultural projects, thereby facilitating the realization of more collaborative outcomes.
Joseph Timol, Minister Counsellor at the South African Embassy in China, mentioned that the meeting coincides with the South African government's comprehensive measures to address the current power shortages and the pursuit for reliable partnerships. Economic relations between South Africa and China have witnessed significant development over the past decade. Since 2009, China has been South Africa's largest trading partner, and since 2010, South Africa has been China's largest trading partner on the African continent. The energy transition and investment plan of South Africa is a crucial commitment to decarbonization, requiring substantial investment, and it can serve as a blueprint to determine projects for the next decade. Encouraging more Chinese companies to participate in the development of South Africa's new energy industry will also contribute to alleviating power shortages. Additionally, South Africa will undergo reforms to expedite project launches, possibly cutting the time in half. Important tasks include local legal and regulatory reviews, specifically streamlining procedures, and creating more opportunities for Chinese suppliers.
Gracia Niyagus, Minister Counsellor at the Zimbabwean Embassy in China, shared investment opportunities in Zimbabwe's power sector. With an average electrification rate of less than 50% nationwide, Zimbabwe faces significant energy and power demands with persistent electricity shortages and low power generation, leading to an extreme scarcity of electricity. Zimbabwe exhibits a considerable demand for renewable energy, necessitating heightened efforts to combat climate change. The country is actively exploring the potential of hydroelectric power and is dedicated to expanding both hydro and solar energy generation. Various investment projects requiring urgent cooperation, like power generation, solar cell manufacturing plants, and novel product lines for distribution transformers, were presented on-site. He cordially invited entrepreneurs and attendees to contribute to the advancement of Zimbabwe's power industry.
Smail Harire, Counselor at the Algerian Embassy in China, emphasized the pivotal role of energy in driving economic development during this era of a new industrial revolution, which is largely dependent on the utilization of new technologies and electricity supply. Algeria, with its abundant natural resources and strategic geographical location, boasts one of Africa's highest solar radiation levels, approximately 3,200 hours annually. The country, which enjoys substantial reserves of environmentally friendly natural gas energy that contributes to the production of export resources, stands as a primary producer and exporter in the Mediterranean region. Algeria's ambitious and challenging long-term energy transition strategy will be open to domestic and international public and private investors, with a particularly warm welcome extended to Chinese enterprises to seize these substantial cooperation opportunities.
François Hoff Van Schalkwyk, Executive Director of Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Committee, introduced that Namibia finds abundant reserves of oil and gas, as well as renewable energy, including photovoltaic resources. The country is actively promoting energy transition, with a focus on the development of new energy sources. Simultaneously, Namibia aspires to expand its green hydrogen initiatives, with numerous projects currently in progress. The goal is to establish a factory by 2030 that incorporates 5 megawatts of renewable energy and technologies such as hydrolysis. He stated that Namibia provides an excellent business environment and warmly welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate in the country's energy sector development.
Zhou Yuanbing, Director of Economic and Technical Research Institute of Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, Li Yalan, President of IGU and Vice Chairman of China Gas Association, Lu Chenyu, Secretary-General of Z-park Hydrogen Industry Alliance, Zeng Guiyang, Chairman of Hunan Energy International Cooperation Industry Alliance, Zhang Chaoqun, President of CGN International Holdings Co., Limited, Li Sisheng, Deputy Chief Engineer of PowerChina Group Limited, Zhu Honggang, Executive General Manager of Northwest Africa Regional Headquarters, China Energy International Group Co., Ltd., Yu Hongwei, Technical Director of JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd., Wang Chuanqiang, Chief Representative of the Beijing Representative Office of Nigeria First Bank Limited, Li Chao, Party Committee Member and Assistant General Manager of CPIC, and Zhang Huarong, Chairman of Huajian Group, among other guests from Chinese enterprises, delivered consecutive speeches. They unanimously recognized the tremendous potential in Africa's new energy market and expressed a strong willingness to cooperate.
During the forum, Huajian International Co., Ltd., CPIC, Bejing Capital Group Exhibitions & Events, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Construction Industry Branch, and JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. jointly initiated the establishment of the "China-Africa New Energy Industry Alliance." Zhang Huarong, Chairman of Huajian Group, stated, "Africa's new energy market demonstrates great potential, and we look forward to providing electricity to every family in African countries." The China-Africa New Energy Industry Alliance places high importance on collaboration with Africa in the field of new energy. It aims to act as a bridge to facilitate mutual benefit and green development in the upcoming new energy cooperation between China and Africa.
Finally, witnessed by guests and attendees, the China-Africa New Energy Industry Alliance was officially established.
