International Forum on Energy and Power Transition 2025 Held in Beijing

On May 19-20, 2025, the 2025 International Forum on Energy Power Transformation was held in Beijing. This forum was co-hosted by the State Grid Corporation of China, the International Renewable Energy Agency, the World Energy Council, and the World Economic Forum, with the participation of ten globally recognized power companies. The theme of the forum was “Accelerating Energy Transformation through New Power Systems”, aiming to facilitate dialogue, share practical achievements, explore new developments, strengthen international cooperation, and jointly promote a green transformation and sustainable development of energy power.

Representatives from 30 countries and regions across five continents attended the forum. Zhang Zhigang, Chairman of the State Grid Corporation of China, delivered a keynote speech, along with leaders from the National Energy Administration, International Renewable Energy Agency Director-General Camila, World Energy Council Secretary-General and CEO Wilkinson, World Economic Forum Executive Director Liang Jinhui, and International Electrotechnical Commission Chairman Kops.

In his speech, Zhang emphasized that actively addressing the challenges of climate change and accelerating the clean and low-carbon transformation of energy has become a common consensus within the international community. The State Grid Corporation of China is committed to implementing the Chinese government’s directives by enhancing system stability management, safeguarding the safety of the power grid, promoting the upgrading of the power grid, and supporting high-quality development of renewable energy. Furthermore, they are dedicated to driving technological innovation and creating an engine for energy transformation, while also deepening digital empowerment to improve the digital and intelligent capabilities of the power grid. Building a new power system is more challenging and complex than traditional systems, necessitating a focus on balancing development and safety, restructuring innovation mechanisms, and improving economic mechanisms.

The National Energy Administration’s leaders noted that responding to climate change and accelerating energy transformation has become a global consensus. In recent years, China has aligned itself with global energy development trends, firmly implementing the “Four Revolutions and One Cooperation” strategy for energy security, systematically planning the construction of a new energy system and power system, which reflects China’s unique conditions and the requirements of the times. Energy transformation is a complex and long-term process that requires mutual respect among nations, seeking common ground while reserving differences, expanding consensus, and moving forward together. China adheres to the concept of a shared future for humanity and is willing to work with other countries to strengthen communication and coordination on energy policies, enhance cooperation in energy technology innovation, and achieve mutually beneficial and practical outcomes.

According to Camila, the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, there has been a significant increase in global renewable energy generation capacity, with a substantial portion of that growth originating from China. She acknowledged China’s tremendous efforts in advancing the clean energy transition, enhancing infrastructure, and accommodating large-scale renewable energy, setting a global example. Over the past decade, China has built more than 500,000 kilometers of transmission lines, accounting for over one-third of new transmission lines globally. The ultra-high voltage transmission lines effectively connect renewable-rich western and northern provinces with eastern load centers. As the world aims to achieve renewable energy installation targets by 2030, she urged all parties to accelerate the deployment of grid infrastructure, establish regulatory frameworks, and enhance capacity building.

Wilkinson, Secretary-General and CEO of the World Energy Council, remarked that the world is at a critical juncture in energy transformation, with China’s energy journey shaping the global energy landscape. The State Grid Corporation possesses vision, capability, and historical experience, positioning it as a potential cornerstone for the next phase of global energy governance. The World Energy Council invites Chinese energy companies, including the State Grid, to share their experiences and learnings to co-create partnerships and establish a new paradigm guided by circularity, contributing to abundant energy supply while ensuring human welfare and a more resilient energy system.

Liang Jinhui, Executive Director of the World Economic Forum, highlighted China’s significant role in developing and utilizing renewable energy and promoting green energy transformation within the power sector. He praised the State Grid’s innovations in large-scale ultra-high voltage projects and superconducting cable demonstrations, which enhance the safety and efficiency of power transmission and support the integration of large-scale renewable energy. Looking ahead, he emphasized the need to improve energy efficiency, promote material recycling, establish local partnerships, enhance energy infrastructure’s resilience to extreme weather, and foster global trust and communication.

Kops, Chairman of the International Electrotechnical Commission, noted the dual challenges of climate change and energy security that the world currently faces, underscoring the urgent need for a resilient, digital, renewable-driven new power system. The IEC is committed to achieving equipment digitization and electrification, promoting sustainable development, and building trust through global cooperation. During the transformation process, the IEC continues to provide a technical foundation for energy transformation through standardization efforts in smart grids, distributed energy, and electric vehicle charging, supporting global collaboration.

The forum also featured dialogues with renowned scholars, CEO roundtable discussions, and in-depth exchanges on key issues related to new power system construction and energy transformation. Participants shared cutting-edge technologies, innovative outcomes, and best practices, outlining a development blueprint for new power systems and offering innovative solutions and guidance for overcoming energy transformation challenges, significantly contributing to global sustainable energy development.

During the forum, four significant technological achievements were announced, including flexible DC equipment for offshore wind power, operational control for large-scale grids with high proportions of renewable energy, the State Grid’s Bright Power model, and standardized results for “Double 800” ultra-high voltage direct current systems. Additionally, three specialized technical seminars were conducted, focusing on new energy and electricity markets, technological innovations in new power systems, and zero-carbon development of urban grids. Technical visits to various demonstration bases and exhibitions showcased China’s innovative practices in the new power system sector.

This forum, held at a crucial stage of global energy transformation, stands as a premier event in the global energy and power industry. Attendees expressed that the International Forum on Energy Power Transformation was unprecedented in scale, influential, and fruitful, gathering renowned experts and corporate executives to discuss cutting-edge topics such as new power systems and renewable energy technologies, providing insightful, constructive, and feasible perspectives. The forum serves as a platform for intellectual exchange on global energy transformation and green low-carbon development, a shared academic and practical platform for innovative developments in power systems, and a high-level dialogue platform for world energy leaders and innovators. It showcased China’s plans and actions for energy transformation, promoted international experience sharing and technological cooperation, and played an essential role in building a community with a shared future in the energy sector and promoting global sustainable energy development.