Opinion   CLP Holdings' David Simmonds discusses China's green development a...

David Simmonds, Chief Strategy, Sustainability and Governance Officer at CLP Holdings, highlighted the crucial role of clear policy frameworks in decarbonizing industries in a recent interview during China's two sessions. According to Simmonds, the "dual carbon" goals set by the Chinese government not only provide confidence and a clear direction for businesses, but also accelerate the green transition, creating vast opportunities for the global energy sector.

David Simmonds, Chief Strategy, Sustainability and Governance Officer at CLP Holdings

The government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on March 5 emphasizes the need for making coordinated efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development and boost economic growth, and accelerating the green transition in all areas of economic and social development.

"The report's focus on accelerating the development of a green and low-carbon economy and promoting carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in a proactive and steady manner will have a profound impact on the development of the energy industry and create numerous opportunities for businesses to drive the green energy transition," said Simmonds.

Since entering the Chinese mainland market in 1979, CLP Holdings has been actively involved in the development, construction, and operation of power generation projects to meet the growing demand for energy. Currently, the company has invested in over 50 power generation projects in 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across China, with non-carbon energy accounting for more than 70% of its total installed capacity.

From low-carbon energy innovation to ecological restoration, and from industrial upgrading to international cooperation, China's green development has produced impressive results. Simmonds pointed out that with the policy support from the government, China is accelerating its decarbonization process, creating significant opportunities for energy companies. Based on this trend, CLP Holdings plans to double its renewable energy assets to around 6GW in the medium term, while driving the low-carbon transformation of its upstream and downstream supply chains. This includes meeting the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging and helping industrial customers improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, thereby supporting the decarbonization of sectors such as transportation and manufacturing.

As a representative of Hong Kong-based enterprises, Simmonds highlighted the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as a key hub for driving green economic development in China. The region offers tremendous development opportunities for energy companies. He also mentioned that 2024 was the 30th anniversary of the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station in Guangdong province, co-invested by CLP Holdings and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN).

According to CGN's data, as of March 31, 2024, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Base has generated a cumulative 949.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, of which 312.8 billion kilowatt-hours have been supplied to Hong Kong. Over the past 30 years, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station has consistently supplied more than 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to Hong Kong annually, meeting a quarter of Hong Kong's electricity needs.

Simmonds emphasized that the partnership with CGN was a successful example of the "one country, two systems" framework and the international status of Hong Kong.

"As a zero-carbon energy source, nuclear energy is one of the most effective and reliable methods of achieving decarbonization. Our subsidiary CLPe has formed a partnership with TELD New Energy Company Limited to provide EV-charging infrastructure and other innovative energy services in the Greater Bay Area. The superior capability of TELD will help CLP expand our energy infrastructure and solutions business in the GBA, and deliver the best technologies and services to our EV charging customers. CLP Holdings is working with the government to explore more regional cooperation opportunities to expand Hong Kong's access to nuclear energy." Simmonds added.

China has consistently led the way on green economic development internationally, and is expected to strengthen its leadership position further. According to the International Energy Agency, China is expected to provide more than half of the global renewable energy capacity by 2030. David Simmonds pointed out that Chinese enterprises are continuously strengthening their competitiveness in green energy technologies, such as solar panels and battery storage technologies, and are moving towards high-end technologies in the value chain. In particular, China has become a leader in artificial intelligence and high-end electric vehicles, and has demonstrated strong capabilities in advanced autonomous driving systems. He emphasized that the central government's focus on "new productive forces" would drive more sustainable, innovation-driven growth that would benefit China itself, but also the world.

On a global scale, Simmonds stated that China's green energy technologies have strengthened its leadership in decarbonization. He pointed to China's role as a vital partner for many countries in decarbonization efforts, contributing to the global energy transition through technological advances and supply chain development. China's firm commitment to decarbonization is essential to the success of international climate actions, especially in the context of global uncertainty.

Simmonds also emphasized that as one of the largest external investors in China's energy sector, CLP Holdings has made significant contributions to the country's green transition. The company's investments in renewable energy continue to grow, with a strong pipeline of future projects. CLP Holdings also plans to expand its nuclear energy investments and support corporate customers' decarbonization through corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) and green electricity certificates (GECs).

As CLP Holdings continues to strengthen its collaboration with the Chinese mainland, Simmonds reiterated the company's commitment to leveraging its expertise and technological advantages to support China's sustainable development. He emphasized that China's leadership in green development is reshaping its energy landscape and will play a pivotal role in the global decarbonization process. (By Zhao Anqi/China Youth Daily)

来源：中国青年报客户端