China maintains a leading position in green energy technology, playing a key role in driving global energy transformation. As Europe gradually falls behind in terms of technology and production capacity, the European industry is seeking to strengthen cooperation with China to facilitate Europe's transformation.
According to a report by the French newspaper Le Figaro on July 4th, Bernard Fontana, CEO of the French Electric Power Group, and Patrick Poonen, CEO of the French Total Energy Group, stated that in the process of promoting low-carbon electrification, Europe should strengthen cooperation with the Chinese industrial sector rather than adopting a closed strategy.
Fonteina said at an economic forum held in Aix-en-Provence, Provence, on the 4th that he recently visited China to inspect the development of China's nuclear industry. He pointed out that the execution efficiency of China's nuclear industry is impressive. "Projects that may take two years in France can be completed by Chinese companies in just two weeks."
Fontana emphasized that France and China have a long-term cooperative relationship in the field of nuclear energy. "China provides us with mainly methodological and experiential assistance, and they are willing to share this information with us. This does not make us dependent on them. We see that these goals are entirely within our capabilities. The key is to actively learn from these experiences."
The Saint-Alban nuclear power plant operated by the French Electric Power Group. IC photo
Puyane also mentioned that the execution ability of Chinese companies is impressive. He said, “I try to understand how they manage to build a reactor every month and complete new large-scale factories within two years. There are significant differences in the ecosystems of the two countries, and the key lies in regulatory and approval processes.”
He pointed out that in China, once a decision is made to build a new factory, the industrial park can have the land prepared and begin construction within two years. In Europe, however, complex and lengthy administrative procedures significantly slow down the progress of projects.
Puyane believes that Europe should not 'build fortresses', but instead welcome Chinese companies to invest. 'I have no concerns about Chinese companies. Europe cannot solve problems by building a ‘Maginot Line’. Otherwise, the situation will only get worse. Chinese companies will still be able to enter the European market, and Europe will gain nothing from it.'
However, Puyane claimed that Europe needs to set “conditions” for cooperation, such as establishing joint ventures with Chinese companies where the equity ratio is 51% to 49%, and ensuring technological sharing. He emphasized: “We need China; otherwise, Europe will fall behind.”
Regarding cooperation in green energy between China and Europe, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning previously stated that greenness is a prominent feature of Sino-European cooperation. Both China and Europe actively support the promotion of low-carbon transformation and green development, and firmly uphold the international climate governance system based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. There is extensive common interest and significant room for cooperation in addressing climate change issues. Projects such as the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant, the Greek Thrace Wind Farm, and the German Deleren Solar Park are all iconic examples of Sino-European green cooperation.
Mao Ning said that China is a firm advocate and important contributor to green development. We are willing to work with the European side to adhere to multilateralism and the goals set by the Paris Agreement. We will strengthen cooperation in areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as promoting green and low-carbon transformation, in order to make positive contributions to global climate governance.
