Introduction of the 10th International Forum on Clean Energy

Introduction for the 10th International Forum on Clean Energy

Global energy security is witnessing increasing uncertainty and risks today given the rise of multiple challenges, including climate change, energy crises, and geopolitical conflicts. This has resulted in the disruption in energy supply chains, soaring energy prices, and a slowdown in the global energy transition. The year of 2023 marks the mid-term evaluation of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, but its implementation progress has been far below expectations. Additionally, this year is a global assessment year for the execution of the Paris Agreement, and there remains a significant gap in achieving the 1.5°C goal worldwide. It is therefore urgently necessary for countries to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and expedite the development of long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). In order to achieve the Paris Agreement’s carbon neutral goal and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda, deepen global cooperation in the clean energy supply chain, and establish global partnerships for clean energy transformation, the International Forum for Clean Energy (Macao) and the Portuguese Energy Agency will jointly host the 10th International Forum on Clean Energy on 22-23 November 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Global cooperation is necessary to achieve carbon neutrality. The theme of this conference is “Energy Transition and International Cooperation in the Context of Global Carbon Neutrality”. The conference will invite government, industry, academia and research representatives across China, EU, Portuguese-speaking countries, Mediterranean countries, and Gulf countries in the fields of energy and electricity, energy conservation, environment and climate action, and green finance. The conference will focus on new technologies, new industries, new business types and models, and new scenarios and management of carbon neutrality. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions and cooperation on topics such as photovoltaic, offshore wind power, energy storage, smart energy, electric vehicles, digital grids, carbon finance, as well as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Together, we will explore new models of energy transition through bilateral and multilateral cooperation in resources, technology, and financial markets, as well as coordination in the development of carbon emission markets, carbon credit sharing, and green finance.

China and Portugal has a solid foundation and longstanding track record of cooperation. Portugal was one of the first Western European countries to sign cooperation agreements for the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI) with China, the first EU member to formally establish a "Blue Partnership" with China, and the first Eurozone country to issue RMB bonds. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao). Portuguese-speaking countries span across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, possessing rich natural resources and market potential, while providing significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Furthermore, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union. Mediterranean countries, which are in close proximity to Portugal and span across Europe, Asia, and Africa, are currently accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, and there are extensive common interests and a solid cooperative foundation between China and these countries in the fields of energy and climate. This conference is of great significance in promoting the construction of a closer, more efficient, and mutually beneficial global clean energy cooperation framework.

1. Conference Title:

The 10th International Forum on Clean Energy

10º Forum Internacional sobre Energia Limpa

2. Conference Venue: EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel, Av. Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco 15, Lisboa, Portugal

3. Conference Dates: 21-23 November 2023

4. Conference Structure:

(1) Co-hosts:

Portuguese Energy Agency (ADENE Portugal)

The International Forum for Clean Energy (IFCE Macao)

(2) Co-organizers (TBC):

Portuguese Investment and Trade Agency (AICEP)

Portuguese National Energy Network Company (REN)

Mediterranean Association of National Agencies for Energy Management (MEDENER) Institute for Energy Diversification and Savings (IDAE Spain)

Chinese State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC)

(3) Supporting units:

Portuguese Ministry for the Environment and Climate Action

The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Government of the Macao SAR Government

The Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao)

5. Tentative Conference Detailed Agenda

Day 1: 11/21/2023（full day）Registration at Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel

Day 2: 11/22/2023 (9:30-09:40) Welcome Ceremony

Ambrose So Shu Fai, Director General of IFCE

Nelson Lage, Chairman of the Board of Directors ADENE

Day 2: 11/22/2023（9:40-10:30）Opening Ceremony

Day 2: 11/22/2023（11:00-13:00）Plenary Session (2 Theme Summits)

Conference theme: Energy transition and international cooperation in the context of global carbon neutrality

Invited Speakers: Primarily keynote speakers, including scientists, business leaders, government officials, and international organization representatives from both China and the international community.

Theme Summit Topic 1：How to ensure a balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability during the energy transition process?

Theme Summit Topic 2：The "North-South Divide" is becoming more pronounced, and green finance is playing a prominent role, how to achieve a fair and just energy transition?

Sub-forums

Contents: A total of 6 sub-forums will be held, each lasting 90-120 minutes. The preliminary discussion with Portuguese counterparts has determined the following sub-forum topics: ① Photovoltaic; ② Green Hydrogen; ③ Energy Storage; ④ Green Power; ⑤ Offshore Wind Power; ⑥ Green Finance.
Guests and duration: Each sub-forum is scheduled to have 6 speakers and each speaker will be allotted 6 minutes, with the remaining time dedicated to interactive panel discussions and dialogues. The number ratio of Chinese and foreign participants could be 1:1.

Day 2: 11/22/2023 (14:30- 16:00) Sub-forum 1

Photovoltaic Theme: From Quantity to Quality - Challenges and Solutions for Photovoltaic as the Main Power Source in the Transformation of Energy Structure