Beijing, December 9, 2021 - The China-EU Policy Dialogue Seminar, organized by the China-EU Sustainable Hydropower Utilization and Integration Project (SHUI-CHE) under the China-EU Water Resources Platform (CEWP), focused on the theme "Flexible and Sustainable Hydropower to reach Net Zero targets".

Over 200 representatives from various industries in China and European Union countries participated in the seminar, with an additional nearly 1,000 delegates tuning in via livestream. Esteemed figures like Ji Xiaoyong, chairman of the International Forum of China Society for Hydropower Engineering (IF-CSHE), facilitated the roundtable and panel discussions.

Prominent throughout the seminar was the emphasis on Europe and China's wealth of experience in pumped storage power stations, spanning design, construction, equipment manufacturing, and operation. Given the growing demand for renewable energy to meet carbon-neutral targets worldwide, the need for pumped storage power stations is expected to expand significantly.

To leverage their expertise and contribute to global emissions reduction efforts, Europe and China aim to enhance exchanges and cooperation through platforms such as CEWP, the International Joint Research Center of Water Science & Engineering, and the IF-CSHE. This cooperative approach seeks to propel pumped storage development globally, combat climate change, and foster a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.

The seminar provided a platform for industry experts from China and the European Union to delve into various aspects of pumped storage development. Discussions centered around the current situation, potential, and challenges in the field. Participants also explored environmental and ecological impacts and the crucial role of pumped storage in achieving Net Zero targets. Areas of focus included enhancing the flexibility of pumped storage and examining the practical experiences and future prospects of China and Europe in this domain, with the aim of strengthening cooperation.

Established in 2012, CEWP plays a pivotal role in facilitating policy dialogues, scientific research, and business collaborations in the water sector between China and the EU. The platform has successfully organized eight annual high-level dialogues and implemented projects such as the"partner tool"project. Furthermore, it has fostered extensive exchanges in river basin management, ecological security, rural water supply, food security, water-energy nexus, and water-related urbanization. With participation from nearly 20 European countries and over 1,000 officials, researchers, and business representatives from China and Europe, CEWP has achieved numerous milestones.