China to Set Up SCO Platforms, Enable 10 GW Solar and Wind in 5 Years In Member Countries

At the recent  25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, chaired by China, emphasized cooperation in energy, industry, and sustainable development. In his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in north China's port city of Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the SCO has become the world’s largest regional organization, and its international influence and appeal are increasing day by day. 

In his speech, President Xi highlighted some key areas discussed by the members. He said, “A discussion took place on the prospects for the development of multilateral cooperation across the full spectrum of activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the areas of politics, security, trade, investment, energy, industry, sustainable development, new technologies, international and regional agendas, as well as questions concerning the improvement of the organization’s work. Heads of delegations put forward a number of proposals and initiatives.”

He particularly identified some of the key areas of cooperation in his speech, saying, “China will establish three major platforms for China-SCO cooperation in energy, green industry, and the digital economy, and will set up three major cooperation centers for scientific and technological innovation, higher education, and vocational and technical education.”

Addressing renewable energy and other areas of cooperation, he added, “We will work with fellow SCO countries to increase the installed capacity of photovoltaic and wind power by 10 million kilowatts each over the next five years.”

Incidentally, China is not a member of the International Solar Alliance, which has consciously tried to support solar growth without Chinese support, an uphill task at the best of times, considering China's dominance of the sector. The ISA has had notable success in Africa, however, and will be watched keenly to see how far it can go. 

SCO in Action

Furthermore, in his remarks, President Xi emphasized cooperation among members. He said, "In response to the once-in-a-century transformations unfolding faster across the world, the SCO should step up to play a leading role and set an example in carrying out the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). We should step up to take responsibility for open cooperation across the globe. SCO member states have rich energy resources, large markets, and strong internal driving forces, and we are contributing a rising share to world economic growth. We should continue to dismantle walls, not erect them; we should seek integration, not decoupling."