China and the EU will strengthen cooperation and exchanges in
the energy sector, including clean coal technology, renewable
energy and nuclear power, top officials said at the 6th China-EU
Energy Cooperation Conference, which was held in Shanghai
yesterday.
The conference attracted about 250 top energy policy makers and
industrialists. Representatives discussed a range of topics
including energy security, increasing energy efficiency, nuclear
energy and security, and interactions between energy and
environmental policies.
During the conference, China's Ministry of Science and
Technology (MOST) and the
European Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on
near-zero emission power generation technology in an effort to
jointly fight global climate change.
As the major source of power generation, coal consumption
continues to increase to meet the needs of China's rapid economic
development. Statistics show that China consumed some 34 percent of
the coal used worldwide in 2004.
However, utilization efficiency rates are low due to a lack of
advanced technology, and unchecked carbon dioxide emission has led
to environmental pollution.
Under the MOU, the Chinese government and the EU will jointly
conduct research and promote the technology of near-zero emission
power generation.
It includes controlling carbon dioxide emissions into the air by
catching it on its way out and storing it underground.
The feasibility study for the project will be completed by the
end of 2008, according to the MOU.
Andris Piebalgs, energy commissioner for the EU, said that it
will invest 5 million euros (US$5.95 million) in the first stage of
the cooperation, followed by an equal investment from the UK.
China will allocate resources to support the project and seek
further financial resources together with the EU.
In addition, China aims to establish an energy research and
development program supported by the business community and
universities in terms of funds and talents, according to Ma Songde,
vice minister of MOST.
(China Daily February 21, 2006)