International Forum on New Energy Investment Alliance Held in Paris

The International Forum on New Energy Investment Alliance took place in Paris on April 23, 2025. This event hosted the Second Third International Financial and Cutting-Edge Technology Forum, centered around the theme “Dual Carbon Goals: New Intelligence Emerging”. The forum focused on collaboration in new energy between China and foreign nations, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, and innovations in green finance. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions about sustainable development paths and pragmatic cooperation opportunities in the global carbon neutrality process.

Nearly one hundred attendees, including representatives from energy companies, business associations, financial institutions, member units of the alliance, and observer organizations from China and France, were present at the meeting. Lü Zexiang, Chairman of China Energy Engineering Group International and President of the International New Energy Investment Alliance, emphasized in his opening speech that the current international political and economic landscape is undergoing significant changes, placing the new energy sector at a critical juncture filled with both challenges and opportunities. He proposed three initiatives: first, to enhance cooperation and exchanges on cutting-edge technologies between China and Europe to achieve breakthroughs in key areas such as multi-energy complementary systems and long-duration energy storage; second, to optimize international industrial division of labor and enhance the resilience of global supply chains; and third, to deepen financial empowerment by increasing the application of green bonds, carbon finance, and mixed financing tools to facilitate a seamless integration of production, education, research, application, and finance.

According to a report released by the International Energy Agency, the global installed capacity of renewable energy is expected to reach 700 gigawatts in 2024, marking the 22nd consecutive year of record growth. For the first time, China’s renewable energy capacity has surpassed that of thermal power, indicating a profound transformation in the global energy landscape.

Zhang Yujing, President of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Mechanical and Electrical Products, stated in a video address that the global transition to green and low-carbon energy is at a historic opportunity. The new energy industry has become a vital link for countries to collaboratively address climate change and promote sustainable economic development. Since its establishment seven years ago, the International New Energy Investment Alliance has adapted to the trends of the times and worked to create a collaborative platform for the international new energy industry.

Lena Henry, Global Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric, pointed out that renewable energy is the core force in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and the energy crisis. Schneider Electric signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China Energy Engineering last year and has engaged in deep collaboration on various renewable energy projects with participating companies. Moving forward, Schneider Electric will continue to work with various partners to explore more collaborative opportunities and promote the implementation of key technologies globally.

Cui Meng, President of Longi Green Energy’s European Division, shared that the company has partnered with local entities in Europe to establish photovoltaic power plants, green hydrogen solutions, and smart energy management projects. In the future, Longi Green Energy will continue to leverage the alliance’s ecological network to explore a “finance + technology + market” collaborative model, helping to extend the benefits of green energy to wider regions.

Richard Abitbol, President of AA&W Strategic Consulting Group, noted that China’s renewable energy sector possesses a complete industrial chain, advanced technologies, international layouts, and strong policy support, making it an indispensable partner for France and Europe in the green transition process. He encouraged Chinese companies to actively participate in strategic investment projects in France, such as offshore wind power and energy storage, deepening localized cooperation with European manufacturers, and promoting the sharing of smart grid technologies to assist Europe in building distributed energy systems.

Arnaud Melilli, Head of the APAC Investment Department at the Paris International Business Bureau, emphasized that the potential for energy cooperation between France and China is immense, with opportunities to deepen collaboration in several key areas. For example, the integration of French hydrogen technology with Chinese electrolyzer manufacturing can effectively reduce the cost of green hydrogen; joint construction of solar projects in Africa can secure financing support through EU green bonds; and the proactive promotion of joint research and development of AI smart grids can achieve cross-industry innovative integration.

This forum was co-hosted by China Energy Engineering Group International and the International New Energy Investment Alliance, with member units including Longi Green Energy, Vivint Solar, CITIC Group, and Renjie Intelligent overseeing the event. Established in 2018, the International New Energy Investment Alliance brings together leading companies in wind power, photovoltaics, and energy storage, integrating resources across the entire industry chain from planning and consulting to investment and operation. The alliance is committed to building an international cooperative platform for new energy that emphasizes joint discussion, construction, and sharing. Since its inception, the alliance has facilitated the incubation of projects totaling 20GW, developed a number of exemplary projects, and actively contributed to the Belt and Road Initiative by continuously exporting Chinese solutions, technologies, and equipment to the world.