The Smarter E Europe 2025,Europe's largest alliance of exhibitions for the energy industry,kicked off its three-day session in Munich,Germany,on Wednesday.About 850 Chinese exhibitors are taking part,making them the second-largest group after German exhibitors,according to the organizer's official website.
The participation of Chinese companies in the event not only reflects China's advancements in clean energy technology but also underscores the increasingly close and indispensable complementary relationship between the two sides in the energy transition.
In recent years,EU countries have been vigorously promoting the green transition and actively developing renewable energy sources.However,the road to the energy transition is fraught with challenges.The limitations of Europe's local industrial chain have heightened the demand for China-EU cooperation.China's rapid development in clean energy technology,coupled with its robust manufacturing capabilities and strength in large-scale production,have provided essential support for the EU's energy transition.
The investment cases of many Chinese companies in Europe are concrete manifestations of this complementary cooperation.For instance,CATL has two battery factories in Germany and Hungary.AESC held a groundbreaking ceremony for a battery Gigafactory in Spain in July 2024.Pylontech in March held the opening ceremony for its first overseas factory in Italy.These investments have promoted economic cooperation between China and Europe,injecting new vitality into Europe's energy transition.
Nevertheless,China-EU green cooperation has not been without obstacles.In recent years,unfounded hype about bilateral green trade has emerged,leading to some unreasonable investigations and restrictions,which have harmed the interests of Chinese companies and had a negative impact on the development of the EU's own new-energy industry and its energy transition.
Fortunately,based on their close economic ties,both sides have gradually returned to the track of pragmatic cooperation.China and the EU agreed to start consultation on issues concerning market access at an early date,and immediately start negotiations on electric vehicle pricing commitments as well as issues related to bilateral investment cooperation in the auto sector,the Xinhua News Agency reported last month.This positive signal about policy coordination could lay the foundation for further cooperation in the new-energy sector,bringing new opportunities for the development of China-EU green cooperation.
China-EU relations are ushering in new development opportunities.On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU,both sides have sent clear positive signals about further enhancing cooperation.A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that there are many important items on the agenda between China and the EU this year.China welcomes European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit China at appropriate time for a new round of the China-EU Summit.Both sides will also hold strategic,economic and trade,environment and climate,and digital high-level dialogues.
Against this backdrop,it is crucial for both sides to establish enhanced trade and economic coordination mechanisms,particularly in the new-energy and green energy sectors.This endeavor necessitates not only diplomatic and political coordination but also comprehensive communication and collaboration in policymaking,market access and technical standards.By implementing effective coordination mechanisms,both parties can more effectively address challenges arising from their cooperation,facilitate trade and investment,and foster innovation and development in new-energy and green energy technologies.
In the context of a complex global economic landscape,the open and cooperative stance taken by China and the EU carries significant implications for global sustainable development and the stability of the global green supply chain.Their interactions and coordination regarding green technological and supply chain cooperation are generating valuable practical experience for global climate governance.While this cooperation may face challenges,it is through ongoing consultations and adjustments in addressing specific issues that China and the EU can establish a truly pragmatic and effective framework for cooperation in their energy transition.
