International Forum in Paris Explores New Opportunities for Green Cooperation in Renewable Energy Investment

The Second International Financial and Cutting-edge Technology Forum of the New Energy International Investment Alliance was held on April 23 in Paris, France. This forum, themed “Dual Carbon Innovation: Wisdom for a New Era”, focused on international cooperation in new energy, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and innovations in green finance. It aimed to explore sustainable development paths and practical cooperation opportunities in the context of global carbon neutrality.

Approximately one hundred representatives from energy companies, business associations, financial institutions, alliance member units, and observer organizations from <b>China</b> and <b>France</b> attended the event. <b>Lü Zexiang</b>, Chairman of <b>China Energy Engineering Group</b> and President of the New Energy International Investment Alliance, emphasized in his opening speech that the current international political and economic landscape is undergoing profound changes. He noted that the new energy industry is at a critical stage filled with both challenges and opportunities. He proposed three initiatives: 

<ul>
    <li><b>Enhance Sino-European cooperation</b> in cutting-edge technologies to achieve breakthroughs in key areas such as multi-energy complementarity and long-duration energy storage.</li>
    <li><b>Optimize international industrial division</b> to enhance the resilience of global supply chains.</li>
    <li><b>Deepen financial empowerment</b> by increasing the application of tools such as green bonds, carbon finance, and hybrid financing, thereby facilitating an integrated approach to production, education, research, and finance.</li>
</ul>

According to a report by the <b>International Energy Agency</b>, the global installed capacity for new renewable energy generation is expected to reach <b>700 GW</b> in 2024, marking the 22nd consecutive year of record growth. For the first time, China's installed capacity for new energy has surpassed that of thermal power, indicating a significant shift in the global energy landscape.

<b>Zhang Yujing</b>, President of the <b>China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products</b>, stated in a video address that the global transition to green and low-carbon energy is currently at a historic opportunity. The new energy industry has become a vital link for countries to collaboratively tackle climate change and promote sustainable economic development.

Since its establishment seven years ago, the New Energy International Investment Alliance has aligned itself with the trends of the times, striving to build a collaborative platform for the international new energy sector. <b>Lena Henry</b>, Global Senior Vice President of <b>Schneider Electric</b>, pointed out that renewable energy is at the core of addressing both climate change and energy crises. Schneider Electric signed a strategic cooperation agreement with <b>China Energy Engineering Group</b> last year and has engaged in in-depth collaborations on various renewable energy projects with attendees at the forum. Looking forward, Schneider Electric will continue to seek collaborative opportunities with various parties to promote key technologies globally.

<b>Cui Meng</b>, President of the European Division of <b>LONGi Green Energy</b>, introduced the company's current efforts in Europe, where they are collaborating with local partners on several benchmark projects, including photovoltaic power station construction, green hydrogen solutions, and intelligent energy management. In the future, LONGi aims to leverage the alliance's ecological network to explore a <b>"finance + technology + market"</b> collaborative model, helping to ensure that green energy reaches a broader region.

<b>Richard Abitbol</b>, President of the <b>AA&W Strategic Consulting Group</b>, noted that China’s renewable energy sector possesses a complete industrial chain, advanced technologies, international layout, and strong policy support, making it an indispensable partner for France and Europe in their green transition. He encouraged Chinese enterprises to actively participate in strategic investment projects in French offshore wind power and energy storage, deepen local cooperation with European manufacturers, and promote the sharing of smart grid technologies to support the development of distributed energy systems in Europe.

<b>Arnaud Melilli</b>, head of the Asia-Pacific Investment Department at the <b>Paris International Business Office</b>, emphasized the immense potential for Franco-Chinese energy cooperation, suggesting that collaboration could be deepened in several key areas. For example, aligning French hydrogen technology with Chinese electrolyzer manufacturing could effectively reduce the cost of green hydrogen; jointly constructing solar energy projects in Africa could be financed through EU green bonds; and actively promoting joint research and development of AI smart grids could foster cross-sectoral innovation.

This forum was co-hosted by the <b>China Energy Engineering Group</b> and the <b>New Energy International Investment Alliance</b>, with support from alliance members such as <b>LONGi Green Energy</b>, <b>Wivon Photovoltaics</b>, <b>CITIC Bo</b>, and <b>Renjie Intelligent</b>. The New Energy International Investment Alliance was established in 2018, bringing together leading companies in wind power, photovoltaics, and energy storage. It integrates resources across the entire industry chain, from planning and consulting to investment, construction, and operation and maintenance, aiming to build an international cooperative platform for new energy that emphasizes <b>joint consultation, construction, and sharing</b>. Since its inception, member companies have incubated projects totaling <b>20 GW</b> and developed several demonstration projects, actively supporting the <b>Belt and Road Initiative</b> while continuously providing solutions, technologies, and equipment from China to the world.