Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Industrial Parks through Sino-German Demonstration Measures
Sino-German Workshop on Low-Carbon Transition in Industry Parks took place in Beijing
On 22 April, the Sino-German Demonstration Measures for Improving Energy Efficiency in Key Industries, supported by BMWK and NDRC, launched its cooperation on improving energy efficiency in industrial parks. Co-organised by GIZ and the National Energy Conservation Center (NECC), the event brought together Chinese and German experts to discuss strategies such as demand-side management and smart microgrids for reducing emissions and enhancing the energy performance of industrial parks.
Strategic Importance of Green Transition in Industrial Parks
Industrial parks are central to decarbonisation efforts. In China, they house 80% of industrial enterprises and account for over 30% of the country’s CO₂ emissions. In Germany, industrial parks are key drivers of efficient energy use and increasingly adopt low-carbon or net-zero strategies. Both countries face shared challenges – modernising infrastructure, integrating renewables, and improving energy management systems.
Knowledge Exchange and Innovation through Sino-German Cooperation
The event provided a dynamic platform for discussing innovative models to optimise the energy use in industry parks and related policy suggestions. Speakers from both countries shared policy frameworks, challenges, and best practices of green transformation in industrial parks. The German companies Siemens and MAN Energy Solutions presented innovative solutions, including PV-storage integrated microgrids and industrial heat pump systems.
A panel discussion highlighted key insights and recommendations from think tanks and park operators, calling for stronger policy support, improved carbon market mechanisms, and the promotion of digital and low-carbon technologies like micro grids, virtual power plants and heat pumps.
Next Steps for the Project
The project team will continue deepening Sino-German cooperation by developing policy suggestions and piloting innovative measures in a pilot park in China. German and Chinese experts as well as the private sector will be engaged to support long-term low-carbon development in industrial parks. As a demonstration measure under the Sino-German Energy Partnership, supported by both governments, the pilot experience serves as a practical example of how bilateral collaboration can accelerate energy efficiency improvement and decarbonisation in industry in both Germany and China and support global climate goals.
About the Sino-German Demonstration Measure for Improving Energy Efficiency in Key Industry
On 22 June 2024, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck and Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People's Republic of China Zheng Shanjie signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in implementing the Sino-German Demonstration Measures for Improving Energy Efficiency in Key Industries.
The overall goal of the project is to establish pilot projects in the cement industry and industrial parks, promote innovative solutions and further improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. This cooperation is part of the concrete measures of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of a Sino-German Dialogue and Cooperation Mechanism on Climate Change and Green Transformation, signed by Federal Minister of BMWK Robert Habeck and the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) Chairman Zheng Shanjie in June 2023.