How to Promote the Global Energy Interconnection

The Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) aims to create a clean, efficient, and interconnected global electricity network to accelerate sustainable energy transition and achieve carbon neutrality.

Concept and Objectives

The Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) is an ambitious initiative to integrate power systems worldwide through an intelligent, automated, and networked electricity grid dominated by clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power . Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, GEI aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to provide universal access to clean electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support global low-carbon energy transition . Its objectives include coordinating energy, industry, and meteorology to achieve a resilient, inclusive, and just energy system .

Technical Framework

GEI relies on ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission systems and smart grid technologies to enable large-scale integration of renewable energy across countries and continents . The system incorporates interoperability standards, automated control, and real-time energy and information flow management. Recent efforts have established technical standards for wind farms, photovoltaic plants, and pumped storage units, providing guidelines for cross-border grid interconnection, equipment testing, and automatic control systems . These standards are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable global energy interconnection.

International Cooperation Mechanisms

The construction of GEI requires robust international cooperation mechanisms to address geopolitical, financial, and operational challenges . GEI promotes a six-in-one cooperation framework, including multilateral dialogue, policy coordination, investment protection, operational security, market trading, and dispute resolution. Cooperation occurs at global, regional, and social levels, leveraging platforms such as the UN, G20, Belt and Road Initiative, ASEAN, BRICS, and APEC. Governments, enterprises, financial institutions, and NGOs collaborate to establish normative systems, capacity-building programs, and co-development models for electricity, mining, and manufacturing .

Strategic Actions

The GEI Action Plan outlines ten strategic actions and five cooperation mechanisms to accelerate implementation . Key actions include:

• Promoting GEI concepts and awareness
• Expanding clean energy development
• Ensuring universal electricity access
• Enhancing power grid interconnection
• Replacing fossil fuels with electricity
• Developing smart grids and energy efficiency
• Driving innovation and capacity building
• Supporting policy frameworks These measures aim to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate risks, and provide sustainable energy for all, while fostering economic growth and reducing regional disparities .

Significance

Promoting GEI construction is critical for global energy security, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. By integrating renewable energy at a global scale, GEI can optimize energy resources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and facilitate international electricity trade. It also provides a platform for technological innovation, standardization, and policy coordination, creating a new engine for the transition to a low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive global energy system .