Since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000 (FOCAC 2000), China and African nations have forged a strong partnership, particularly in development and energy sectors. This partnership aims to address mutual goals of sustainable growth and environmental protection, with a growing focus on renewable energy solutions.
At the latest Forum, held from September 4th to 6th in Beijing, discussed the need for greater energy cooperation. Both China and African nations highlighted the importance of renewable energy investments as a way to meet rising global energy demands while tackling climate change.
China’s leadership in renewable energy is exemplified by its large-scale solar power plant in the New Energy Base Project located in the Tengger Desert, the largest Sago Desert, in Ningxia province. The project is developing the first UHV power transmission channel, the Ningxia DC project, which focuses on renewable energy transmission. This solar power plant has an area of more than 12 thousand hectares and 2.2 million solar panels have already been installed. This project has two parts: the first part reached the production stage on April 26, 2023 with a capacity of 1 million kilowatts, and the second part with a capacity of 2 million kilowatts is under construction at this time.
This development in the north-central region of China is in line with the common goals discussed in the forum. By using advanced technologies, China is not only securing its energy future, but is also an example of how renewable energy can drive economic growth and protect the environment.
As Africa continues to face its formidable challenges, China’s experience is a valuable lesson. The potential of solar energy shows opportunities for cooperation, so that China and Africa can work together to create global energy.
