Low Carbon Odyssey: People’s Republic of China’s Story - Scott Morris

Opening remarks by Scott Morris, ADB Vice-President (East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific), at the Deep Dive Workshop: Low Carbon Odyssey - People’s Republic of China’s Story, Asia Clean Energy Forum 2024, 5 June 2024, ADB headquarters, Manila, Philippines

Director General ZHANG Xiaofeng,
Professor ZOU Ji,
Distinguished Guests and Colleagues,

Good morning and welcome to this insightful workshop on “Low Carbon Odyssey - the People’s Republic of China’s Story”. I am very pleased to be with you today as part of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2024.

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our co-organizer, Energy Foundation China, for their invaluable partnership and commitment to this important cause.

As the source of half of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, Asia and the Pacific Region is crucial for the fight against climate change. The 2024 ACEF’s theme—Accelerating the Clean Energy Transition and Ensuring Energy Security and Affordability—resonates deeply with the urgent need for action.

PRC’s achievements in reducing its carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy, and fostering technological innovations stand as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and strategic action.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is proud to have been a steadfast partner in this journey. ADB’s partnership with the PRC began in 1986 and has evolved into one that focuses strongly on climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. Our support for PRC’s low-carbon energy transition encompassed critical areas such as policy development, financing, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

As the Climate Bank for Asia and the Pacific, ADB supported PRC’s projects ranging from renewable energy generation, energy efficiency improvements, to cross-sectoral low-carbon transition - collaborations that advanced the government’s dual climate goals of carbon peaking and net-zero emissions. ADB’s flagship program - Air Quality Improvement in the Greater Beijing- Tianjin-Hebei Region is a good example adopting programmatic and integrated approach that has effectively enhanced policy framework, leveraged investments through innovative financing, and deployed advanced technologies. These efforts have not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions but also enhanced the institutional capacities essential for sustainable energy development.

As a knowledge bank, ADB’s commitment extends beyond individual projects. We are dedicated to ensuring that the successes and lessons from ADB projects’ experiences can be adapted and replicated across PRC and our other developing member countries. This workshop provides an excellent platform to cooperate on low-carbon energy transition in the region, focusing on policy, finance, and technology—the pillars of any successful energy transition.

I encourage all participants to engage actively in today’s discussions. Your insights and perspectives are vital as we work together to address the challenges and opportunities in the clean energy transition. At ADB, we remain committed to providing comprehensive support—financial, technical, and policy-related—to our developing member countries. Let us use this workshop to forge stronger partnerships and reaffirm our commitment to a low-carbon and sustainable future.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the organizers, speakers, and participants for your dedication and contributions. Together, let us transform the vision of a low-carbon future into reality, ensuring that our region not only meets its energy needs but does so sustainably and affordably.

Thank you.