From Shanxi, for cleaner, greener energy

Expanding cooperation to promote low-carbon energy

By Liang Weiguo

Today, the global energy revolution and industrial transformation, characterized by green and low-carbon development, are advancing at an accelerated pace. Innovation in energy science and technology is becoming a key driver of development. It is not only a fundamental solution to overcoming resource and environmental constraints and achieving harmony between humanity and nature, but also an important source of new quality productive forces and a driving force for gaining an early lead in the development of the future.

As a major energy-producing province entrusted with the dual mission of safeguarding China's energy security and advancing the energy transition, Shanxi has in recent years positioned itself at the forefront of transformation and development in traditional energy-producing regions. The province has made scientific and technological innovation a key lever for advancing the energy revolution, seeking new resources, new space for development and new momentum through technological progress.

Shanxi has established four strategic pillars of scientific and technological strength in the energy sector: national laboratories, national key laboratories, "double first-class" universities and national leading enterprises in science and technology. It has also systematically developed nine technological pathways covering areas such as coal mining and extraction, flexible and efficient power generation, new coal-based chemical industries, coal bed methane and renewable energy.

Looking ahead, the global energy transition is accelerating, while China's efforts to achieve its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals are entering a deeper stage.

Shanxi's low-carbon energy transition is therefore facing new opportunities, while also shouldering greater responsibilities.

Against this backdrop, it is suggested that universities, research institutions and enterprises from around the world deepen international cooperation and continue to strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration in cutting-edge areas of new energy, including geothermal development and hydrogen energy utilization.

The author is the president of Taiyuan University of Science and Technology. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.