China plays key role in global renewable energy transition: COP31 President of Negotiations

By Zhang Dongfang

(ECNS) -- China is playing a key role in advancing the global transition to renewable energy, with its investment in green technologies helping drive down the costs of solar power and batteries worldwide, Chris Bowen, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) that opened on Tuesday in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya.

Speaking at a side event titled Ecological Civilization and Beautiful China Practice at the China Pavilion in Antalya, Bowen, who also serves as COP31 President of Negotiations, said the world is facing multiple challenges, including a severe energy crisis, the consequences of reliance on fossil fuels and surging energy demand driven by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).

These challenges are putting pressure on energy systems and pushing up living costs for people around the world, he said.

The way forward lies in accelerating the development of renewable energy and advancing electrification, Bowen said, adding that countries around the world were already making progress in this direction.

Global renewable power capacity is projected to increase by 4,600 gigawatts by 2030 – roughly the equivalent of adding China, the European Union and Japan's total power generation capacity combined, according to the report Renewables 2025 released by the International Energy Agency.

He described it as a remarkable achievement in which China is playing a pivotal role.

"Every country matters. But no country matters more than China with its size, its weight, and its impact around the world," Bowen said.

He also commended China's contribution to making clean energy more affordable worldwide, noting that Chinese investment had helped reduce the costs of batteries and solar power, bringing benefits to countries around the world.

China's continued investment in renewable energy technologies is generating benefits far beyond its borders and helping accelerate the global energy transition, he added.