As part of the IKI-funded project “Supporting China’s Climate Targets through Ambitious Green and Low Carbon Energy Transition” (IKI Energy Project), a German expert delegation visited the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu and Sichuan from 23–27 June 2025. The delegation included energy experts from the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and Baden-Württemberg (BW), as well as from the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
The delegation visit was the first major activity under the IKI Energy Project to facilitate subnational exchange on energy transition. It aimed to promote knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and strategic cooperation between German states and Chinese provinces. A key highlight was the official kick-off event of the IKI Energy Project on 25 June in Nanjing, jointly inaugurated by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the German Embassy, and the Development and Reform Commissions (DRCs) of Jiangsu and Sichuan. The delegation also participated in site visits and thematic roundtables, offering a platform for deepening policy and implementation collaboration on green energy transition.
Site visits: exploring innovation in grid and energy management
The tour began with a visit to the Baihetan ±800 kV Ultra High Voltage (UHV) converter station, illustrating recent developments in long-distance power transmission and its importance for renewable integration. In Changshu, the delegation visited the Gusu UHV converter station and learned about the technology and infrastructure that enable stable electricity exchange between provinces.
In Suzhou’s Xiangcheng district, the group explored a source-grid-load-storage integrated platform, aggregating 70 distributed solar PV stations, industrial loads from 215 enterprises, and two battery energy storage systems. The platform enables precise monitoring of energy flows and emissions through a regional energy and carbon data management platform, which supports virtual power plant (VPP) operations and industrial decarbonization through flexible demand response strategies.
The delegation also visited the Guodian Nanjing Automation Co. LTD. (SAC), where they were introduced to zero-carbon park concepts and smart grid applications. In Sichuan, highlights included tours of the Tianfu Yongxing Laboratory, which focuses on hydrogen, storage, and future grid systems, and the Dongfang Electric Exhibition Center, presenting innovations in clean energy technologies.
Project kick-off: high-level exchange and a panel discussion on market mechanisms for clean energy
The official kick-off of the IKI Energy Project took place in the afternoon of 25 June in Nanjing. The event opened with remarks from representatives of NDRC, German Embassy in Beijing, Jiangsu DRC, and Sichuan DRC.
During the kick-off session, BMWE and GIZ introduced the background, goals as well as this year’s working plan of the IKI Energy Project. This was followed by expert presentations from China Electricity Council and Wuppertal Institute on regional energy transition developments in both the two Chinese provinces and two German states. A discussion panel brought together voices from provincial energy research centers and German state ministries, offering comparative perspectives on policy priorities and challenges in accelerating decarbonization.
The second part of the kick-off focused on the role of market mechanisms in enabling ambitious energy transition. The experts from both countries shared recent developments in power market reform in China and Germany, followed by a diverse panel discussion.
Outlook: next steps for the IKI Energy Project
The study tour deepened mutual understanding between German and Chinese subnational actors and established strong working-level relationships for future collaboration. The delegation’s insights into local energy systems and innovative solutions in China will inform upcoming policy exchanges and best practice sharing.
A series of online workshops will follow in the coming months to continue the exchanges and dialogue on specific topics, including market design, renewable energy integration, and system flexibility. A reciprocal visit by a Chinese delegation to Germany is planned for the coming year, which will further reinforce subnational cooperation and peer learning under the IKI Energy Project.
Conclusion: a milestone for green energy transition cooperation at subnational level
The June delegation visit and project kick-off marked a key milestone in the IKI Energy Project’s goal to support China’s green energy transition. By connecting German and Chinese provinces, the activity fosters practical, mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, power market reform, and regional grid planning. It contributes directly to global climate goals and reinforces the strategic partnership between China and Germany in the field of energy and climate policy.
About the “Supporting China’s Climate Targets through Ambitious Green and Low Carbon Energy Transition” (IKI Energy Project)
The IKI Energy Project, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), is implemented under the joint guidance of the relevant national institutions of both countries — the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) of Germany. It aims to promote a green and low-carbon transition in the energy sector, thereby supporting China in achieving its carbon peaking and neutrality goals. The project focuses on subnational cooperation between China and Germany, pairing Sichuan and Jiangsu Provinces with Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, respectively. Through policy dialogue, exchange, and capacity building, the project seeks to explore locally adapted and replicable transformation pathways. At the same time, it also aims to enhance policy coordination at the national level and establish a knowledge-sharing platform, contributing valuable experiences and practical insights to global climate governance and the energy transition.
