About the Sino-German Energy Partnership

As part of Germany’ key instrument for international cooperation on climate and energy policy issues, the Sino-German Energy Partnership is the official platform for institutionalised energy dialogue between China and Germany. It links three levels of action: high-level policy dialogue; business-to-government exchange and an sharing of experiences on technical and regulatory solutions that promote the energy transition.

The 9th Sino-German Working Group Meeting on Energy Efficiency between BMWK & NDRC. Source: GIZ

The objective

The main objective of the partnership is to foster and advance the energy transition of both countries through constant political, economic, regulatory, and technological exchange. In a collaborative approach, it further drives decarbonization in China, improves the market conditions for decarbonizing the globally integrated value chains, and strengthens the energy supply in both countries.

Political steering and structure

For China, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) oversee the partnership, while the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) takes the lead on behalf of Germany.

Two thematic working groups have been established under bilateral agreements to facilitate cooperation as well as intensify the exchange of information, experiences and best practices. On the Chinese side, the working group on “energy” is led by NEA, while the working group on “energy efficiency” is headed by NDRC.

Our thematic focuses

Working Group on Energy

Power market
Power sector flexibility
Decentralised renewable energy incl. Agri-PV and biomethane
Sustainable heating
PtX incl. green hydrogen

Working Group on Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency in industry
Energy efficiency in cities
Energy efficiency networks
Innovative business and finance model

What we do

Support political dialogue

The bilateral political dialogue enables exchange on energy policy exchange and defines the strategic direction of the Sino-German cooperation. We prepare and facilitate high-level political meetings, support the implementation of activities and organise the exchange between relevant stakeholders.
Provide political and technical advice

With our unique energy expertise we provide political consultancy services on strategically relevant topics, including continuous advise to political stakeholders as well as preparing research studies, exchange workshops, study tours, trainings and the implementation of Sino-German demonstration projects.
Connect business and politics

We build bridges between politics and business, facilitate access to decision-makers, enable businesses to effectively advocate their positions in the partnership countries and involve them by providing the opportunity to contribute their expertise, e.g. in new projects.
Enhance information exchange on energy transition

Clear communication translates undertakings into understanding. We communicate about energy policy through various channels - in China and Germany. We facilitate know-how and information exchange to support the energy transition in both countries.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH was commissioned by the BMWK with the implementation of the bilateral energy partnership with China. A secretariat with full-time advisors in Berlin and Beijing serves as a point of contact and coordination for its activities.