Comparing the energy transitions in Germany and China: Synergies and recommendations

Cheng Chen,Bing Xue,Guotian Cai,Heiko Thomas,Stefan Stückrad

doi:10.1016/j.egyr.2019.08.087

Abstract

Energy Transition towards a low-carbon emission energy system has been a long-term strategy for Germany and China. Both countries are expected to take the lead on the global effort to achieve clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Although Germany and China have different characteristics, international-level strategic cooperation is essential for meeting the goals of both local and global energy transition. However, until now, no comparable research for energy transition in Germany and China exists in a peer-reviewed journal. In order to close this knowledge gap, a critical review was conducted and then some recommendations were proposed. First of all, after reviewing the background, milestones, current situation and challenges, we found infrastructure, policy instruments and market reform played the key roles in the transition process in Germany and China. While nuclear power and coal are likely to be abandoned in Germany, China has more ambition beyond the power sector and to reach self-sufficiency. As the two countries chosen different concepts and pathways to achieve their transition targets, there is great opportunity for them to take the lessons from each other. Germany and China need cooperation at multi-levels varies from politic, economic, scientific to public. Then, recommendations are presented on how to further foster cooperation and enable an energy transition.

Highlights

In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an ‘‘Energy Revolution’’, specifying on reducing energy consumption, increasing energy supply, improving energy technology and institutional reform (IEA, 2017)
After reviewing the background, milestones, current situation and challenges, we found infrastructure, policy instruments and market reform played the key roles in the transition process in Germany and China
While nuclear power and coal are likely to be abandoned in Germany, China has more ambition beyond the power sector and to reach self-sufficiency

Summary

Introduction

In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an ‘‘Energy Revolution’’, specifying on reducing energy consumption, increasing energy supply, improving energy technology and institutional reform (IEA, 2017). The transition to a cleaner energy system is driven by the need to improve air quality, combat climate change, and eventually reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. Responding to the global efforts towards climate governance, China has, in its nationally determined contribution (NDC) commitment announced on 2016, set its energy-related targets for 2030: peaking CO2 emissions by 2030 the latest; lowering carbon intensity of GDP by 60%–64% comparing with 2005 levels by 2030; increasing and achieving the share of non-fossil energy consumption among total primary energy consumption to around 20% (NDRC, 2015). The Made in China 2025 plan emphasizes green technology such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced power system equipment. The energy transition in a rural area is happening, for example, from traditional biomass energy to commercial energy like electricity (Han and Wu, 2018) (see Table 3)

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Conclusion