International Forum on Energy Transition and Power Transformation Held in Beijing 2025

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

Representatives from 30 countries and regions across five continents attended the forum. Zhang Zhigang, Chairman of the State Grid Corporation, delivered a keynote speech, alongside notable leaders such as officials from the National Energy Administration, Camilla, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Wilkinson, Secretary-General and CEO of the World Energy Council, Liang Jinhui, Executive Director of the World Economic Forum, and Kopos, Chairman of the International Electrotechnical Commission.

In his address, Zhang Zhigang emphasized the importance of addressing climate change and accelerating the clean and low-carbon transformation of energy, which has become a widely accepted consensus in the international community. The State Grid Corporation is committed to implementing the Chinese government’s directives, enhancing system stability management, ensuring the safety of the power grid, and accelerating grid upgrades to support the high-quality development of new energy. He highlighted the need for technological innovation and the establishment of a new power system that is clean, low-carbon, secure, abundant, economically efficient, and flexible. Compared to traditional power systems, building a new power system presents greater challenges and complexities, requiring a focus on balancing development and safety while innovating technological mechanisms and improving economic frameworks. The State Grid Corporation looks forward to strengthening cooperation with all parties to accelerate the establishment of this new power system.

Leaders from the National Energy Administration echoed the sentiment that actively responding to climate change and accelerating energy transition have become global goals. In recent years, China has aligned with global energy development trends while considering its own national conditions and development stages. The country has steadfastly implemented the new energy security strategy of “Four Revolutions, One Cooperation,” systematically planning and constructing a new energy system and a new power framework. The process of energy transition is complex and long-term, necessitating mutual respect among nations, expanding consensus, and collaborative efforts. China upholds the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and is willing to work with other countries to strengthen communication and cooperation in energy policies.

Camilla from the International Renewable Energy Agency remarked on the significant growth in global renewable energy generation capacity, particularly driven by China. She noted that China has made substantial efforts to promote a clean energy transition by enhancing infrastructure to accommodate large-scale renewable energy. Over the past decade, China has constructed over 500,000 kilometers of transmission lines, accounting for more than one-third of the world’s new transmission lines. The ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines effectively connect renewable-rich provinces in the west and north with the eastern load centers. To achieve the 2030 renewable energy installation targets, it is essential for all parties to accelerate the deployment of grid infrastructure and establish regulatory frameworks.

Wilkinson, Secretary-General and CEO of the World Energy Council, pointed out that the world is at a critical juncture in energy transition, with China’s energy journey shaping the global energy landscape. The State Grid Corporation possesses the vision and capability to become a cornerstone of the next phase of the global energy governance system. The World Energy Council hopes to invite Chinese energy companies, including the State Grid Corporation, to share their experiences and contribute to building a new paradigm guided by circular principles.

Liang Jinhui from the World Economic Forum highlighted China’s crucial role in developing renewable energy, promoting green energy transitions, and advancing the power industry. The State Grid Corporation’s pioneering work in high-voltage engineering and superconducting cable demonstrations is commendable. These technologies enhance the safety and efficiency of power transmission, supporting the integration of large-scale renewable energy and facilitating inter-regional energy flows. Looking ahead, advancing energy transition requires improved energy efficiency, material recycling, local partnerships, and enhanced infrastructure resilience against extreme weather.

Kopos, Chairman of the International Electrotechnical Commission, stressed the urgent need for a resilient, digital, and renewable-driven power system in the face of climate change and energy security challenges. The Commission remains committed to achieving equipment digitization and electrification, promoting sustainable development, and building trust through global cooperation. Their ongoing work in standardization related to smart grids, distributed energy, and electric vehicle charging will provide a technical foundation for energy transition.

The forum also featured dialogues among renowned scholars, CEO roundtable discussions, and technical seminars on topics such as new energy markets and zero-carbon urban development. Participants shared insights on theoretical innovations, practical explorations, and mechanisms related to new power system construction and energy transition. The forum unveiled significant technological achievements essential for advancing the new power system, including developments in offshore wind power flexible DC equipment and large-scale grid operation controls, which will support the cultivation of new productive forces in the energy sector.

As a major event in the global energy transition landscape, the forum provided a platform for deep discussions on cutting-edge topics surrounding new power systems and renewable technologies. Attendees noted that the forum’s expansive scale, broad influence, and fruitful outcomes have gathered domestic and international experts and executives, facilitating an exchange of progressive, constructive, and actionable insights. The forum showcased China’s strategies and initiatives for energy transition, promoting international experience sharing and technological cooperation to foster a community for sustainable energy development.