On 4 November 2011, the Sino-German Biogas Cooperation Strategy Workshop was held in Beijing under the theme of win-win cooperation through technology sharing. It was jointly organized by MOA and German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

The Workshop was opened by Vice Minister Zhang Taolin and Dr. Gerd Müller, Parliamentary State Secretary to Germany Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. Zhang emphasized in his opening remarks that the world is now turning to green and low-carbon energy. Developing renewable energy is essential to achieving energy universal service and MDGs.

Zhang also said that the Chinese government is committed to the development of renewable energy. Thanks to many years’ efforts, China has become one of the fastest growing markets for renewable energy. By 2015, China’s consumption of hydropower, nuclear power, and other renewable energy is expected to be 280 million TCE, 90 million TCE, and 100 million TCE respectively. Annual consumption of other kinds of renewable energy will increase by 2.3 times in the next five years.

In his opening remarks, Secretary Müller underscored the bigger role of renewable energy in protecting our climate. He also recognized China’s strong determination and great efforts for developing renewable energy.

The workshop was attended by 143 representatives from international organizations such as UNEP, WFP, countries such as Germany, U.S., Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, and relevant Chinese ministries, provincial authorities for rural energy development, research institutes, and enterprises.