http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-02/02/content_14521630.htm

 

Strong economic ties drive the Sino-German bilateral partnership. Energy, environment and climate change issues remain at the heart of economic relations. 

 

In a joint communiqu by Chancellor Angela Merkel and Premier Wen Jiabao in 2010 as well as during the first Sino-German Government Consultations in June 2011, energy, environment and climate issues were identified as a priority for future cooperation. 

Both countries implemented structural changes towards a greener economy, although under different conditions and from a different level of development. 

The German government has adopted an ambitious energy concept plan that defines strategic targets and paves the way for energy of the future characterised by a phasing out of nuclear energy, an accelerated shift to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and exploring new ways of mobility and transportation. 

The goals of the energy and climate policy of Germany are ambitious and precise: primary energy consumption should drop by 20 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2050. 

Until 2020, renewables should account for a share of at least 35 percent in gross electricity consumption, up to 80 percent in 2050. 

In regards to CO2-emissions, Germany targets a reduction of 40 percent by 2020, 55 percent by 2030, and 80-95percent by 2050, all compared to 1990 levels. 

China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) paves the way to a low-carbon economy whose objectives are to improve energy efficiency, reduce overall energy consumption and emissions as well as promote green and environmentally sound technologies. 

Germany and China are partners in this important transition with greater potential to improve bilateral cooperation, especially in regards to clean and environmentally sound technologies, such as on- and offshore wind parks, solar technology, electric and hybrid automobiles. 

Germany, as a global market leader in environmental and energy efficient technologies with a world market share of 16-18 percent - approximately 225 million euros ($288 million) a year - and China with its huge market are bound to be mutually beneficial. 

Germany already offers its expertise through various programs that address environmental management, such as training for mayors or supporting Chinese emissions trading pilot schemes. 

Both countries can work on challenges like setting up smart grids and energy storage facilities. 

Besides practical bilateral cooperation, international challenges should be addressed. 

Germany and China can be the avant-garde in the next phase of designing a new global climate regime with Germany representing industrialized countries and China standing on behalf of emerging economies.