How to de-risk dependence on China while decarbonizing

China’s decarbonization plans are among the most consequential for the world to reflect upon. This is even more the case of the European Union as our own decarbonization plans increasingly rely on imports of China’s renewables, especially solar panels but wind turbines, electric batteries and, increasingly, electric vehicles. China has bold decarbonization targets, given its current sheer dependence on coal and being the largest emitter in the world. Not matter how large its needs, China exports two thirds of its production of renewables to the rest of the world, including to the European Union (EU).

The EU, in turn, is increasingly aware of its critical dependence on China for its decarbonization plans, which has been one of the driving forces for the EU to announce its plan to de-risk from China.

During this seminar we shall first explore where China stands in its decarbonization plans as well as its ability to produce enough renewable for its own needs while continuing to dominate export markets. Secondly, we shall discuss options for the EU to derisk from excessive dependence on China for its decarbonization. To conclude, we would like to discuss our proposal for a decarbonization partnership to create a supplementary supply chain for renewables.

If you are interested to join the even in person or on-line, please remember to register to the event here.

Agenda

• 14:00-15:00 Check-in and welcome coffee
• 15:00-15:10 Opening remarks
  - Jeromin Zettelmeyer, Director, Bruegel
• 15:10-15:30 Presentation
  - Alicia García-Herrero, Senior fellow, Bruegel
  - Heather Grabbe, Senior Research Fellow, Bruegel
• 15:30-16:00 Comments by lead discussants
• 16:00-16:30 Roundtable discussion