Peking University, January 4, 2021: On December 26, the 1st Energy Forum of Peking University, a sub-forum of the Beijing Forum 2020, was held in Beijing. The Energy Forum invited over 20 distinguished scholars, government officials, representatives of international governmental organizations and industrial leaders to share their expertise on the Forum’s theme: Energy Transition Driven by Technology & the 14th Five-Year-Plan Outlook. The Forum was held both online and offline, with more than 200 people from the energy industry in attendance.
Group photo
Gong Qihuang, executive vice president of Peking University, extended a warm welcome to the guests. During his speech, he recognized the importance of the establishment of the Institute of Energy in light of current global trends and China’s energy transition.
Gong Qihuang
Li Ye, supervising director of the National Energy Administration, reviewed the progress China has made in the energy sector and elaborated on China’s energy transition plans as stated in the 14th Five-Year Plan. He congratulated Peking University on the establishment of the Institute of Energy on behalf of the National Energy Administration, and shared his hopes for the Institute to make meaningful contributions to China’s energy policies.
Li Ye
Dr. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), delivered his opening remarks via video. He commended China’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality and emphasized the significance of collaboration between IEA and China’s energy sector.
Fatih Birol
Following the addresses, Hao Ping, president of Peking University, Jin Zhijun, dean of the Institute of Energy, and Zhang Lifei, dean of PKU School of Earth and Space Sciences, kicked-off the unveiling ceremony for PKU Institute of Energy.
Speaking at the keynote speech session, Wu Yin, vice chairman of China Energy Research Society, raised major considerations with regards to the energy development of the 14th Five-Year Plan, including prioritizing energy conversation, promoting usage of low-emission fossil fuels, developing renewable energy in an efficient manner, and building a new power system.
Du Xiangwan, former vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, spoke on the characteristics of China’s energy transition. He highlighted the importance of a transition from coal-based fuels to diversified development, and then to alternative energy sources. He noted this as a sure means to achieve greater levels of energy conservation, reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency.
Shu Yinbiao, president of the International Electrotechnical Commission, summarized the innovative practices undertaken by China in its energy transition efforts. He also pointed out the need to maintain tenets of cleanliness, digitalization and standardization over the course of the re-electrification process. These principles would help build a clean, low-emission, safe and efficient modern energy system.
Cao Yaofeng, former vice president of China Petrochemical Corporation, then gave a report on promoting the high-quality development of the geothermal industry. He introduced the improvements in geothermal energy design in recent years, achievements in technological innovation, internationalization of geothermal energy, as well as its robust growth in cities across China.
Wang Yusuo, chairman of the ENN Group, explained the core concepts around “digital intelligence” technology and its role in constructing a new energy paradigm. He also laid out how ENN is engaging in such work. He expressed his desire to contribute to the energy industry together with his industry colleagues.
Zou Caineng, vice president of the Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, gave an introduction of innovation in the field of alternative oil and gas. He spoke on the development of solar and hydrogen energy from a broader perspective of new energy development, emphasizing the vital role of innovation in energy development.
Jin Zhijun gave an overview of the experience of shale revolution in the US, stressing the important role of low-cost, sophisticated technology in driving the energy transition. He went on to talk about the future development plans of the Institute of Energy.
The Energy Forum ended with a lively discussion amongst participating experts. Industry experts shared views on energy transition and trends in technology development. They offered up suggestions for the development of PKU Institute of Energy and shared their optimism.
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
