Page 9 - AsiaElec Week 15 2021

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IRENA, China State Grid seals

network development deal

CHINA THE International Renewable Energy Agency IRENA and SGCC will conduct joint activi-
(IRENA) and State Grid Corporation of China ties and collaborative studies to enhance flexible
(SGCC) are to work closely to support grid operation of power grids, decarbonisation of
enhancements, system flexibility and sec- urban energy systems and facilitate grid devel-
tor-coupling in China and a range of developing opment with a special focus on application of
countries. smart grid and sector-coupling strategies.
The agreement aims to foster the drive for The two organisations will also work closely
net zero in developing countries as part of global at the regional and country level to build techni-
efforts to meet the Paris Agreement objectives cal capacities related to the reliable integration of
and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. renewable power in developing countries.
China also regards the agreement as a major “The installed capacity of renewables inte-
instrument in its efforts to reach net zero by grated to the State Grid system has reached a
2060. total of 710 GW, including 230 GW hydropower,
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) 230 GW wind and 220 GW solar power, all top-
was signed by Francesco La Camera, direc- ping the world,” said Xin Baoan.
tor-general of IRENA, and Xin Baoan, executive “China pledged to [hit] peak carbon emis-
chairman of the SGCC. sions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by
“The coming years are critical for the energy 2060,” he continued.
transition,” said La Camera. “To achieve a “SGCC released action plans that serve the
1.5-degree world, the global energy system must achievement of these targets, including establish-
align with the necessary decarbonisation path- ing a new type of renewable energy-dominant
way this decade. What we do now will signifi- power system, electrifying end-use consumption
cantly impact our collective ability to achieve a and upgrading of the grid to the energy internet.
net-zero future. We are dedicated to pioneering, promoting and
“In this pursuit China is a key energy tran- leading the clean energy transition. We look for-
sition partner,” continued La Camera. “Under ward to joining hands with IRENA and to take
this agreement our two organisations will work our co-operation to the next stage.”
closely to support the creation of an enabling A key area of work will be Chinese support
environment for a future power system domi- for IRENA’s Clean Energy Corridor initiatives
nated by renewables. This partnership represents in Africa and Central America, which aim
a much-welcomed common effort towards a to update grids to cope with more renewable
decarbonised global energy system.” energy.™

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