International Energy Charter and Chinese Institutions strengthen ties

In September 2017, the International Energy Charter and the China Electricity Council established a Joint Research Centre in Beijing. The idea behind the Centre was to share knowledge through research and public activities while at the same time promoting the Energy Charter Treaty and its principles in China.

On 27 September 2018, the Joint Research Centre held its 1st Annual Symposium in Beijing. Energy Charter Secretary-General Dr Urban Rusnak spoke of how China is leading the way regarding the energy transition and gradually seeing the added value of universal energy rules and regulations to enhance development. Executive President of China Electricity Council (CEC) Mr Yang Kun spoke of international energy cooperation and commented on the achievement of creating the Energy Charter Treaty and the valuable contribution that it has given the energy world.

During the mission to Beijing, the Secretary-General had a number of bilateral meetings including with the Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of the National Energy Administration (NEA) Mr An Fengquan. The Deputy Director was informed of the EIRA 2018 publication and was encouraged to put forward the participation of China for the EIRA publication in 2019. The NEA was also invited to participate in the annual Energy Charter Conference on 27-28 November in Bucharest Romania.

Dr Rusnak also met with the President of the Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute (EPPEI) Mr Xie Qiuye and the Vice Secretary-General of the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) Mr Cheng Zhiqiang. Finally, the meetings concluded with a visit to the North China Electric Power University (NCEPU) where Dr Rusnák signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the President of the University Mr Yang Yongping.