The 17th (2024) International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference takes place in Shanghai on June 11. [Photo/eastday.com]

The 17th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference kicked off in Shanghai on June 11, uniting industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators in a collective effort to steer towards a greener and more sustainable future.

At the heart of the conference is a focus on fostering technological exchange and collaboration within the photovoltaic power generation sector. By nurturing partnerships and facilitating knowledge-sharing, the event not only aimed to enhance Shanghai's global influence, but also to play a pivotal role in advancing China's ambitious carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

Distinguished by a series of enlightening forums, the conference serves as an exchange platform for attendees from various sectors, including governmental representatives, industry magnates, academic scholars, financial institutions, and media experts. Together, they engage in discussions that explore the future trajectories of global photovoltaic power generation, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Running parallel to the conference is a related exhibition that sprawls across 380,000 square meters. It featured the participation of over 3,500 companies from 95 countries, with a notable one-third of the exhibitors representing international interests.

Shanghai's strategic investments in the energy sector have yielded significant results, with the city witnessing a remarkable surge in energy equipment production, reaching 185 billion yuan ($25.5 billion) in 2023, showcasing a consistent annual growth rate of 14.5 percent. Major industry players such as Tesla, with its Shanghai megafactory, have either established headquarters or expanded operations in the city, underscoring Shanghai's pivotal role as a hub for energy innovation and development.

Tang Wenkan, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, emphasized the city's unwavering commitment to seizing transformative opportunities within the energy sector. He detailed plans to attract and nurture pivotal enterprises, with the ultimate objective of establishing a world-class new energy equipment industry stronghold. This strategic vision is designed to lay the groundwork for a sustainable economy, while also creating favorable conditions for carbon reduction and facilitating a seamless transition towards a greener economic and societal landscape.

Source: eastday.com