World Power Battery Conference

Your Excellency, Mr. Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of China Association for Science and Technology,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I want to thank Mr. Jin Zhuanglong and the People’s Government of Sichuan Province for the invitation to speak at the 2023 World Power Battery Conference.

As the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres has stressed, the science is clear: in this decade, global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 45%, according to the latest report produced in April 2022 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

New green power for the future and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) are closely intertwined and have the potential to revolutionize our world. One of the key enablers of this transformation is the development of advanced batteries. These batteries not only power EVs but also serve as an essential energy storage solution for renewable sources, making them a vital component of the green power ecosystem.

Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the dominant technology for portable energy storage, offering high energy density, longer lifespan, and faster charging capabilities. Ongoing research and development are focused on enhancing their performance, reducing costs, and improving sustainability. Additionally, novel battery chemistries, such as solid-state batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries, show promise in delivering even higher energy densities and safer operations.

EVs are rapidly gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional vehicles, addressing concerns over air pollution and climate change. With advancements in battery technology, EVs are becoming more affordable, offering longer ranges, and shorter charging times. This shift toward electrified transportation not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also fosters innovation and economic growth in industries such as battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure development, and clean energy generation.

Moreover, the integration of EVs with renewable energy sources creates a symbiotic relationship. EVs can serve as mobile energy storage units, allowing excess electricity generated from renewable sources to be stored in the vehicle batteries and subsequently fed back into the grid during peak demand periods. This vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology promotes grid stability, optimizes energy usage, and unlocks additional revenue streams for EV owners.

The convergence of advanced batteries and EVs holds immense potential as a new green power and growth driver for the world. By transitioning to electric mobility and leveraging renewable energy sources, we can accelerate the decarbonization of transportation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and stimulate sustainable economic development.

China is a global leader in the innovation and production of electric vehicle batteries. Sichuan Province is a significant production centre for this industry, with the city of Yibin playing a key role. I commend Yibin for its ambition and efforts in promoting these emerging industries.

As a vital manufacturer and distributor of energy storage batteries and solar panels, China can further play a pivotal role in accelerating the promotion of low-carbon technologies to meet our goals under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Such innovations are also critical to realize the pledge set forward by President Xi Jinping at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, for China to reach peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

However, challenges remain in ensuring that the electric vehicle revolution is fully aligned with the global environmental agenda. Certain mining and manufacturing processes can have a detrimental impact on land use, biodiversity, and workers in these industries. Negative externalities need to be anticipated with proper foresight and planning, through regular enforcement of international labor and environmental regulations. Other policies, including determining the environmental impacts of used batteries along with regulations governing their safe disposal and recycling, can help minimize potential consequences.

Here, the United Nations Country Team in China works closely to assist the Government of China, in following the release of the new “1+N” climate policy. 40% of all new vehicles in China will be powered by new energy, and green travel will account for all 70% of trips in all cities over 1 million inhabitants in China by 2030.

The United Nations in China also works to support energy storage solutions that will be crucial for our future. In 2021, the Fuel Cell Vehicles Project launched by the United Nations Development Programme in 2018, deployed 3,057 Fuel Cell Vehicles in eight cities, completed 64.7 million kilometres in mileage and reduced emissions by 138 kilotons of carbon dioxide. The project generated 12,000 job opportunities, including 3,972 for female, leveraged 675.5 billion RMB of investment commitment to support the hydrogen and fuel cell value chains, and helped shape five industrial clusters across China.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization continues to support Member States to develop appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks, including the harmonization of standards that promote circularity and the use of energy-efficient industrial and consumer appliances. UNIDO also promotes green hydrogen and energy storage technology, with great potential in South-South and triangular cooperation, advocating an integrated and sustainable value chain approach from mineral extraction to component manufacturing and life-cycle management.

The UNIDO International Hydrogen Energy Center (IHEC) promotes R&D and industrialization through full hydrogen value chain. Aiming at “Carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goal, IHEC implemented comprehensive study on full hydrogen value chain, from renewable hydrogen production, storage, distribution and various application to achieve zero emission industry. Relying on the industry foundation of Beijing Tsinghua Industrial R&D Institute and the global cooperation network of UNIDO, IHEC participated in large scale fuel cell electric vehicles  (FCEVs) demonstration during 2022 Winter Olympic Games. In Daxing District of Beijing, a demonstration project of the world’s largest hydrogen refueling station provides hydrogen energy to 100 fuel cell delivery vehicles, with capacity of 4.8 tons per day.

To encourage action across governments, the private sector and civil society, the United Nations Environment Programme have also launched a knowledge product on the Management of Used and Waste Electric Vehicle Batteries, focusing on China’s electric vehicle battery recycling policy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Secretary-General was clear when he said, “We face a moment of truth. We are fast approaching tipping points that will trigger escalating feedback loops of global heating. But investing in the net zero, climate resilient economy will create feedback loops of its own — virtuous circles of sustainable growth, jobs and opportunity.”

The United Nations in China stands ready to support the people and Government of China and provide such a platform to convene, connect and catalyze partnerships for sustainable development.

I wish you productive discussions at this conference. Thank you.