Tianjin Energy Research Center and TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy 0fficially Launched

On March 21, 2014, APEC Forum for Sustainable Energy Development – APEC Sustainable Energy Center Preparation Seminar was held at Tianjin University (TJU). During the forum, the Tianjin Energy Research Center – TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy was unveiled. The center aims to create a leading energy think tank at home and abroad relying on TJU’s disciplinary and research strength in the fields of energy and environment protection. It focuses on promoting the strategic cooperation in the area of sustainable energy between China and Asia-Pacific region for sustainable development of energy.

Attendees of the forum included approximately 100 representatives, including TJU President Li Jiajun and Vice President Yuan Yingjin, as well as leaders from the National Energy Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, Tianjin government, and experts from domestic APEC research institutes, energy research institutes, and TJU related schools. Presiding at the forum was TJU Vice President Yuan Yingjin. As the head organization, TJU plans to push forward the establishment of the APEC Sustainable Energy Center this November around the same time as the 22nd APEC Leadership Summit.

Environment and energy problems have increased rapidly in the world today. Air pollution in China is becoming especially more frequent and serious. The Tianjin Energy Research Center – TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy and the future APEC Sustainable Energy Center will be a prestigious and comprehensive energy research institute aiming at optimizing energy structures in the Asia-Pacific region with a focus on the region’s energy development trends and frontiers of energy research. The centers will build a promotional model of policy, technology and business in the area of sustainable energy, and strive to promote the exchange and cooperation in the area of sustainable development among APEC members as well as provide consultations and support for industrial development and government decision.

President Li addressed the forum. He expressed that environmental problems has been a concern for the whole society. At the recently concluded two sessions, Premier Li Keqiang declared a war against pollution and at the same time vowed to change the way energy was produced and, indicating that such a movement would require the whole society including government, colleges, universities, and enterprises to reach a consensus and take effective measures. In this context, the establishment of the Tianjin Energy Research Center – TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy is of great significance. President Li added that TJU is a nationally important university in the field of engineering, with disciplines related to energy and environmental protection. TJU will actively dedicate its advantages in these disciplines to the benefit of both China and the world, in order to contribute to the development of energy sustainability in China and throughout the world.

Zou Yiqiao, representative of the National Energy Administration, highly praised TJU’s efforts and contributions to the APEC sustainable energy development in his speech, and showed appreciation for TJU’s research achievements and its efforts in establishment preparation for APEC Sustainable Energy Center so far. He said that China is in an important period of a comprehensively deepening reform, and the Tianjin Energy Research Center – TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy is a breakthrough in diplomacy, technical consulting, and academic contribution which embodies the wisdom and insight of many experts and scholars. It provides intellectual support for the establishment of our Chinese system of sustainable development, and lays a solid foundation for the development of the APEC Sustainable Energy Center. Besides, it built an effective coordination mechanism to promote the energy sustainable development in Asia-Pacific region.

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology as well as Tianjin Municipal Development and Reform Commission extended their congratulations on the establishment of the Tianjin Energy Research Center – TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy and their gratitude for TJU’s efforts in research and promotion work of sustainable energy.

After the launching ceremony of the Tianjin Energy Research Center – TJU Research Center for Sustainable Energy, the attending leaders and experts visited the exhibition of APEC low carbon urban promotion at the School of Architecture accompanied by President Li.

At the forum, keynote speeches were given by representatives from the Research Institute of China Development Bank, the CECEP Consulting Co.,Ltd, Xiamen University, the Guodian New Energy Technology Research Institute, Australian National University, State Grid Energy Research Institute, Nankai University, and China APEC Research Institute.

That afternoon, the APEC Sustainable Energy Center Preparation Seminar was also held. A TJU representative first provided a detailed explanation of the preparation progress of APEC Sustainable Energy Center. In the discussion that followed, the participating experts shared their suggestions about the center’s objectives, steps for resolving urgent national issues, and ways to coordinate effectively for significant tasks. All attendees united their best efforts and strengths in an in-depth discussion on the preparation of center and its sustainable operation in the future.