EU-China Renewable Energy Cooperation: Barriers and Prospects

Šekarić Stojanović, Nevena (2024) EU-China Renewable Energy Cooperation: Barriers and Prospects. In: The 4rd “Dialogues on China” International Academic Conference: Harvesting the winds of change: China and the global actors. Institute of International Politics and Economics, Belgrade, pp. 221-239. ISBN 978-86-7067-339-7

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Abstract

Given the imperative of energy transition targets across the nations, academic interest in renewable energy as a determinant of great powers’ relations, among other targets, has begun to surge. With a shared commitment to combating climate change, the European Union (EU) and the People’s Republic of China have recognised the significance of renewable energy cooperation as a cornerstone of sustainable development in the future. A significant alignment of their energy- and climate-related policies and dedication to similar energy transition targets opened the room for enhancing cooperation between the two actors in the renewable energy domain. Increased renewable energy investments, promotion of renewable energy development, and general willingness to engage in dialogue are seen as drivers of mutual recognition. However, some barriers stemming from different sectoral policies, such as regulatory frameworks, market access philosophies, or recent geopolitical tensions, make this relationship very complex. Since renewable energy cooperation between the EU and China has immense potential amidst global imperatives for sustainable development, both key barriers and prospects of this relationship have to be addressed. This research aims to provide significant insights into the multifaceted nature of EU-China renewable energy cooperation via three dimensions: the normative, the economic, and the (geo)political. Methodological tools used for the analysis refer to a literature review, qualitative content analysis of the EU’s and China’s energy- and climate-related policies, and secondary data analysis. The analysis led to the conclusion that by overcoming (geo)political and economic divergencies, both the EU and China stand to benefit from a more robust partnership in renewable energy, thus contributing significantly to the sustainable future as the common goal.

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