The Alliance of Belt and Road Low Carbon Technology Innovation and Cooperation was launched on June 12 at a forum on peak carbon emissions and international cooperation in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Led by the Administrative Center for China's Agenda 21 and the Shanghai Science and Technology Exchange Center, the alliance was initiated by 26 institutions from 14 countries to promote low-carbon development in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and foster a sustainable and innovative future.

International scientists from China, Germany, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom held discussions on topics such as new energy technologies and carbon neutrality.

The alliance announced its international expert committee, comprising 12 renowned scholars from eight countries, as founding think tank members. Its charter, organizational structure, and development roadmap were also adopted at the first council meeting.

Focusing on renewable energy, industrial decarbonization, smart energy, and carbon-negative technologies, the alliance partnered with Shanghai Electric Group to launch its first joint R&D program.

The program will offer up to $100,000 in funding for each project, with four initial projects already launched and more international initiatives in the pipeline, according to Yang Hong, vice-president of Shanghai Electric Group.

The inclusion of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences will facilitate the sharing of hydrogen and new energy technologies among alliance members, said Evelina Slavcheva, the academy's director.

The alliance also launched the 2025 Low Carbon Technology Innovation Tour and International Green and Low Carbon Technology Training Program at the forum, drawing over 40 participants from more than 18 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.

Source: Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality