On March 21st, the Forum for APEC Sustainable Developmental Energy and Pre-Conference for Research Center of APEC Sustainable Energy was held in the Lecture Hall on the first Floor of Science Library in Tianjin University. The setting up of the center—The Research Center for Energy in Tianjin and Research Center for Sustainable Energy of Tainjin University—was officially announced in the forum. This center draws on the edge-cutting advantages of energy and environmental protection enjoyed by Tianjin University, attracts the science researchers fr0m home and abroad, so that it can build a top brain in energy research and facilitate cooperation between Asia Pacific areas and China, with the aim of attaining the sustainable energy exploitation.

The people presented at this forum included Mr. Zou Yiqiao, the director of the National Energy Administration, Mr. Zan Tanjian, counselor of International Economy Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Chen Linhao, deputy director of International Cooperation Department of Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Zhang Baoguo, the ARATS Chairman(former director of National Energy Bureau), Mr. Yin Shuguang, deputy director of Tianjian Development and Reform Commission, Mr. Fan Yingzi, deputy director of Municipal Science and Technology Commission, Mr. Wang Shuhai, director of Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, Mr. Li Jiajun, president of Tianjin University, Mr. Yuan Yingjin, vice president of Tianjin University, together with experts fr0m domestic APEC research centers, energy research institutions and colleges. They witnessed the birth of this center. Tianjin University, as the leading member in this center, will prepare for the setting up of “The Research Center for APEC Sustainable Energy”, which will be founded in November this year, around the time of the holding of summit conference of 22nd APEC leaders. The forum was hosted by Yuan Yingjin. 

Recently, the whole world, especially China is facing the deteriorating environment and energy shortage. The frequently occurrence of smog is, to be worse, upsetting the public. The Research Center for Energy in Tianjin and The Research Center for Sustainable Energy of Tainjin University, together with the coming The Research Center for APEC Sustainable Energy, will work to improve the energy structure, monitor the developmental trend in energy usage in the Asia Pacific region. By tracking the frontier research areas in energy, this center will strive to the first-class research organization in Asia and in the world. The major research missions of the center include but not limited to the following: the strategic planning for energy, the green exploitation of fossil fuels, energy conservation technology, energy development and recycling, the smart grid and power utilization, environment and climate changes. It is the center’s goal to promote cooperation among APEC members, to put forward energy conservation policies, to promote commercial patterns, and provide advice for governments.

It is stressed by Li Jiajun, the President of Tianjin University, that environmental issue has become the top priority in the society. In the recently closed NPC and CPPCC, premier Li Keqiang has declared war towards pollution, and called for reform in energy supply and consumption. To reach this goal, the joint efforts fr0m the government, universities and enterprises are needed, so that effective measures can be carried out to tackle the bottleneck in environmental protection and economic development. Under this background, the foundation of Research Center for Energy in Tianjin and The Research Center for Sustainable Energy of Tainjin University meets this need, showing full attention to the issue. As he mentioned, Tianjin University is one of the top ones with specialized advantage in China. Her researching strengths centers on energy development and environment protection. By working together with domestic and international research organizations, drawing on the teams in this university, Tianjin University hopes to contribute to the sustainable energy development.

It is also reported that the energy sustainable development goal, that is, the co-development in economy and environment protection, is still beyond us, even though the organizations have achieved much progress by way of voluntary cooperation in carrying out policies and research. Mr. Zou Yiqiao paid tribute to the efforts and contributions made by Tianjin University in APEC sustainable energy development. The foundation of this center is a new attempt in collaborating foreign affairs, technology and academic research. It is the fruit of the efforts fr0m experts. By providing academic supports for our nation’s energy sustainability, the center also paves the way for the Research Center for APEC Sustainable Energy, promoting the cooperation among Asia Pacific region.

Tan Jian, Chen Linhao, Yi Yaoguang, representing their own departments, also congratulated the founding of this center, expressing their appreciation of the contribution of Tianjin University in this aspect.

After the ceremony, the attendants, accompanied by the president, saw the exhibition of the low-carbon town.

The plenary speeches were delivered by the following experts: Mr. Cao Honghui, vice chair of research institution of the national Development Bank, Huo Zhonghe, the CECEP Consulting Co., Ltd., Li Ning (USA), the Dean of Energy College in Xiamen Univeristy, candidate in the first National “One Thousand Elates” , Ding Hao, director of China New Energy Institute, Igor Skryabin, executive manager of Austrialian Energy Change Institute, Jiang Liping, deputy director of research institute in National Grid , Gong Zhankui, the APEC research center in Nankai University and National APEC Research Center.

In that afternoon, the forum held pre-conference for the setting up of Research Center for APEC Sustainable Energy. The introduction of the preparation of this center was presented by Prof. Zhu Li. In the following discussions, the experts offered their advice and suggestions on the goal, measures, and the cooperation in major tasks. The attendants made thorough exchanges in the building and management of this center.