The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) have partnered to advance the transition through power system enhancement according to the media. A memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two firms that will see its works closely to support grid enhancements, system flexibility and sector-coupling in China and IRENA’s Clean Energy Corridor regions. The MoU was signed by Francesco La Camera, Director – General of IRENA and Xin Baon, Executive Chairman of SGCC.
This recent agreement focuses on developing and advancing the global energy transformation towards a net-zero energy future, especially in developing countries. It is in the context of achieving the Paris Agreement objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Francesco addressed the media and said that the upcoming years are a critical time for the transition of energy and also added that in order to achieve a 1.5-degree world, the global energy system has to align with the necessary decarbonisation pathway in this decade. Actions of the present will significantly impact the collective ability to achieve a net-zero future.
The partnership is believed to represent a much-welcomed common effort towards a decarbonised global energy system. IRENA and SGCC are expected to conduct joint activities and collaborative studies to enhance the flexible operation of power grids, decarbonisation of urban energy systems and also enhance grid development with a special focus on the application of smart grid and sector-coupling strategies.
The companies are to cooperate at the country and regional level to boost and strengthen technical capacities related to reliable integration of renewable energy systems. This also includes joint training and capacity building. The advancement of staff exchange programmes between the two countries is also a part of the agreement.