Accelerating the Construction of a New Energy System to Create a Green Future for the World
As electric buses and battery vehicles traverse the area, green “flower turbines” dance in the wind, and photovoltaic green electricity powers intelligent robotic arms creating “zero-carbon coffee” for international guests, the color green has become the defining theme of the 2025 Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. In the forum’s location at Dongyu Island in Boao, Hainan, the concept of zero carbon has transformed into a tangible daily practice, leaving a profound impression on many attendees with the establishment of the “Boao Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone.”
On March 25, the “Boao Near-Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone,” operated by China COSCO Shipping Group, was officially renamed the “Boao Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone.” Zhang Yong, Deputy General Manager and Party Member of China COSCO Shipping Group, stated that the group will continue to innovate in models for “zero carbon + vacation” and “zero carbon + conference,” aiding the promotion of the zero carbon “Boao Standard” across Hainan Island. This initiative aims to enhance the international influence of the “Boao Zero Carbon Demonstration Zone” and contribute to Hainan’s ambition to be a pioneer in building a beautiful China and a hub for green, low-carbon development.
On March 26, the conference hosted several thematic sub-forums related to new energy and green development, where guests from various countries exchanged ideas and explored collaborative pathways for green electricity and the establishment of a new energy system, providing a “Boao solution” for advancing global sustainable development. Zhang Jun, Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia, emphasized that constructing a new energy system and promoting green development is essential for global progress, fostering new industries, models, and driving forces to create new economic growth points. Green development is establishing a new growth paradigm that coordinates economic, social, and ecological development in an increasing number of Asian regions.
During the new energy thematic sub-forum on the morning of the 26th, Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Energy Construction Group, shared vivid examples of Chinese enterprises actively contributing to the construction of a global new energy system and a clean, beautiful world. “Under the high-quality framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, we are actively providing green and advanced solutions for energy and electricity planning in partner countries, engaging in extensive cooperation on energy transition technology and investments, pursuing win-win outcomes,” Song stated.
According to the International Energy Agency’s Global Energy Review 2025, renewable energy and nuclear power contributed to 80% of the global electricity generation growth in 2024, accounting for 40% of total global electricity generation. The global installed capacity of renewable energy is expected to grow by about 25% in 2024. China continues to lead the world in renewable energy capacity growth, with its newly installed renewable energy capacity in 2024 making up nearly two-thirds of the global total. The solar photovoltaic capacity alone is expected to exceed 340 gigawatts, representing a 30% increase from 2023.
Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China has accelerated the construction of a modern energy system and proposed the establishment of a new power system. By the end of July 2024, China’s wind and solar power capacity reached 1.206 billion kilowatts, achieving the goal set at the Climate Ambition Summit to exceed 1.2 billion kilowatts of total installed capacity for wind and solar power by 2030, six years ahead of schedule. This progress reflects China’s commitment to addressing climate change and advancing its energy transition as a global leader.
“China is at the forefront of global sustainable development. It is the leader in zero-carbon energy, adding more solar power capacity each year than the total of all other countries combined,” said Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. In the realm of new energy, many countries worldwide can benefit from strong cooperation with China. John Keane, a professor of political science at the University of Sydney, noted, “China’s formulation of sustainable growth policies in global cooperation is a significant force for maintaining and developing a green economy.”
The State Power Investment Corporation of China is assisting in the return of green sea turtles to their marine ecosystem at the Hunutlu power plant in Adana, Turkey. Meanwhile, China Southern Power Grid is collaborating with Lancang-Mekong countries to build interconnected power grids, and the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation has delivered the “Arctic Pioneer,” a 7,500-cubic-meter liquefied carbon dioxide transport vessel, to Norway, contributing to carbon capture and storage in Europe. As China charts a path to green, low-carbon, high-quality development aligned with its national conditions, it actively contributes to global climate governance and green transformation through concrete actions.
Zhang Jun remarked, “The efforts required for energy transition and climate change mitigation cannot be accomplished by any single country; a strong international synergy must be formed to establish cooperation mechanisms that involve all nations.” Norwegian Ambassador to China, Håkon Haugli, emphasized the importance of green cooperation between countries, both politically and commercially, expressing hope for practical collaboration to advance energy transition.
“Creating a clean, electricity-centered, interconnected, and smart Asian energy internet will provide systematic solutions for promoting energy security, low-carbon, inclusive, and sustainable development in Asia,” stated Xin Baoan, Chairman of the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization and Chairman of the China Electricity Council. The organization, initiated by China, is dedicated to providing a dialogue platform and intellectual support to promote global energy transition cooperation.
“In the clean energy sector, China provides products, experience, and technology, especially affordable technology, playing a crucial role in global energy transition,” said Yew Wen, Honorary Research Fellow at the India China Institute and Associate Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India. He emphasized that China’s most significant contribution today is making affordable green technology accessible to more places around the world.
