EU-China agree to boost energy cooperation
The EU and China have agreed to strengthen their energy cooperation up to 2020. In the margins of the G20 energy ministerial meeting in Beijing, the European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete, and Nur Bekri, Director of the Chinese National Energy Administration agreed on a EU-China Energy Roadmap , where both parties committed to tackle common energy and climate challenges including security of energy supply, energy infrastructure and market transparency.
The roadmap constitutes a keystone in the overall strategic partnership between the EU and China as both transition to a low-carbon economy.
The agreement lays the foundations for sharing best practices with regards to energy regulation, demand and supply analysis, energy crisis, and nuclear safety, as well as grid design and the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.
Moreover, the roadmap looks to foster trade and investment in renewables with the knock-on effects of boosting competition and lowering costs. It also aims to work together on promoting combined heat and power systems, expand the bio-gas sector and promote smart grids.
Energy efficiency is also key in this agreement, as the EU and China are committed to work on boosting energy efficient appliances and developing energy standards in consumer goods, and increasing business cooperation on eco-design methods.
Finally, the two parties will also work to improve trade and investment conditions in the sector. The EU looks to support China's increased involvement in international energy institutions, and boost joint research and development technologies.
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/