I. Background

The Science and Technology Partnership Program (STEP) was launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in September 2012 in a bid to deepen its collaboration with ASEAN countries in science, technology and sustainable development. By supporting science and innovation cooperation between China and ASEAN countries on the bilateral level, STEP aims to upgrade scientific and technological capabilities, share development experience, give full play to the role of science and technology in underpinning socioeconomic progress, and promote sustainable development.

New and renewable energy has been identified as one of the priorities for cooperation between China and ASEAN countries and is of our common concern. Confronted with the grim situation of climate change and energy crisis caused by the declination of fossil fuel reserves, the development of new and renewable energy is now high on the government agenda for both China and ASEAN member states.

In October 2010, the 13th China-ASEAN Summit issued the Joint Statement Between Chinese and ASEAN Leaders on Sustainable Development, noting that both sides would enhance scientific and technological collaboration in energy efficiency, new and renewable energy, emission reduction and environmental protection, expand the use of efficient, environment-friendly, energy saving and clean technologies, and raise the proportion of non-fossil fuels in overall primary energy consumption. At the 16th China-ASEAN Summit in October 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed to initiate the New and Renewable Energy Action Plan (the Action Plan) towards ASEAN member states to facilitate substantial cooperation in relative fields between China and ASEAN countries on the bilateral level.

II. Target

The Action Plan is designed to boost joint research, technology and product demonstration, personnel training, business matchmaking and academic exchange activities between China and partner country in the field of new and renewable energy, thus upgrading technology level, accelerating the new energy industry, optimizing the energy mix and addressing climate change.

III. Priority Areas

Priority areas will be selected mainly based on the needs of partner countries. In light of their climate and geographic conditions, the following areas will be considered:

1. Solar thermal energy

The development and application of household and industrial solar thermal technology, solar drying systems for agricultural products, building integrated solar systems.

2. Solar PV

The application of mono- and polycrystalline solar cells and thin film amorphous silicon solar cells, the development and application of on-grid PV power generation systems, village or household off-grid PV power generation systems, wind-solar power generation systems, green PV lighting, and solar water pumping (irrigation) systems, and the establishment of MW-level PV power plants.

3. Biogas

The recycling of rural biomass energy, use of rural household biogas, agricultural and industrial wastes, and biogas from livestock and poultry farms, and the development of national and international standards for biogas industry.

4. Small hydro

Catchment hydropower planning and development, small hydro and agricultural irrigation, whole-set electromechanical equipment for hydropower stations, box-type integrated small hydro, island micro-hydro, distributed power supply for rural small hydro, small pumped-storage power stations, small hydro industry standards, etc.

5. Clean stove

Research on clean stove process design, performance and contamination measurement, development of stove testing standards (such as performance and in-door air quality testing), application of clean biomass stove, voluntary emissions trading projects for biomass stove, and energy-saving bed-stove.

IV. Modalities of Cooperation

1. Co-establish Joint Laboratories (Joint Research Centers) on the bilateral level

Joint laboratories or joint research centers on new and renewable energy shall be established on the bilateral level by Chinese enterprises, research institutes and universities in collaboration with their partners to meet the demands of partner country. The joint laboratories or joint research centers will help form long-term and stable mechanism for cooperation and facilitate high-level joint research, technology and product development, as well as young scientist exchanges and training.

2. Conduct technology demonstration and dissemination on the bilateral level

To meet the needs of partner country, the Chinese side shall work with partner country's enterprises and research institutes in demonstrating and disseminating technologies, and conducting localized research and development of technologies and products.

3. Organize training on applicable technologies

As requested by the partner country, the Chinese side shall organize training programs to nurture high-level professionals in the area of new and renewable energy.

4. Conduct technical services and technology transfer on the bilateral level

Chinese researchers in the field of new and renewable energy shall be supported to provide technical services and consulting in the partner country. A platform for sharing of information and resources shall be set up and technology matchmaking events shall be held for Chinese and ASEAN enterprises and institutions to facilitate technology transfer.

The Ministry of Science and Technology of China shall provide funding for the above-mentioned projects and the science authorities of partner countries shall help with coordination of collaboration and provision of venues and manpower.

V. Participation of ASEAN Member States

The science authority of each ASEAN member (the partner country) shall designate a contact person and a domestic agency to form a bilateral joint working group with China. The joint working group shall put forward the mechanism, priorities and modalities of cooperation, supporting Chinese and partner country's enterprises and research institutes to participate in collaboration.

VI. Contact:

Ms. Cheng Dan,

Department of International Cooperation,

Ministry of Science and Technology , P.R. China

Tel: +86-10-58881341

Email: chengd@most.gov.cn