In his opening remarks, Kiran highlighted the work of the CBBC and the importance of Chinese and British businesses working together towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly economy driven by clean and renewable energy. Both the UK and China have pledged their ambitions to achieve carbon neutrality and a transition to a clean-energy driven economy will undoubtedly be instrumental to both countries achieving their respective goals. 

Moreover, Kiran highlighted the work of the CBBC to encourage this message to members. Achieving carbon neutrality has become a core focus for our member companies – two of which highlighted at the forum were the work of bp and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). bp has set a benchmark in this regard, exemplified by its gas & low carbon energy (G&LCE) action, integrating the company’s existing natural gas capabilities with significant growth in low and zero carbon businesses and markets, including wind, solar and hydrogen. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has also made a firm commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions across their supply chain, products, and operations by 2039.

CBBC continues to champion the UK’s core strengths in the field and has written numerous reports including the “CBBC Report: Targeting Net Zero: The Role of UK-China Business” & “The in the Zone series” – all in which promote green energy and the collaboration opportunities between the UK and China to achieve low carbon development. In particular, the ‘in-the Zone series’ report highlights which regions of China presents the best investment opportunities for British companies in line with different renewable energy types including thermal, hydro, nuclear, wind and solar. 

There remains huge potential for further cooperation in the new energy space between the UK and China and energy transformation, wind power and smart energy solutions all present key collaboration opportunities. A good illustration of a collaboration program is the UK & China Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (OFE) (CORE) – a joint UK OFE program that brings together researchers from both countries to work on projects and develop next-generation OFE technologies. 

Kiran was also eager to point out that it is critical for all relevant British and Chinese partners from industry, government & academic to work alongside one another on this path. The CBBC is keen to further promote green technology projects between British and Chinese stakeholders and help bridge the gaps of any form. CBBC also encourages more investment in clean technologies in both countries from those opportunities that were presented at this year’s forum. 

In his concluding remarks, Kiran thanked the CCCME for the invitation to speak: “CCCME is a valued partner of the CBBC, and we look forward to working together with the CCCME to support out Net Zero goals and drive forward the green development of both the UK and China”.