Global Energy Internet will bring mankind into a new era

China Energy Storage Network News: ——Interview with George Cole, former Director-General of the United Nations Global Compact

George Kohl: Former Director General of the United Nations Global Compact, holds advanced degrees in economics and engineering from the Technical University of Berlin. He has worked as a financial analyst in Africa and Asia. He joined the United Nations Office at Geneva in 1987 and worked at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in New York in 1990, where he served as Representative General from 1993 to 1997.

Energy solutions for global sustainable development

Reporter: At the end of 2015, the United Nations held a climate change conference in Paris and put forward clear goals for controlling global temperature rise. How do you evaluate the results of this conference? What do you think is the most effective way to deal with global climate change?

Cole: The Paris Climate Change Conference marks a new beginning. It is undoubtedly a historic event worth remembering. With the joint efforts of countries with leadership such as China and the United States and France as the host, all countries have reached a broad consensus on solving the climate problem and raised it to the level of joint efforts of countries. At the same time, private institutions, companies and investors have also shown the world for the first time that there is a way to find a balance between environmental protection and economic growth. At present, the new climate plan pattern is in the hands of each country. I hope that the good start and plan of the Paris Climate Change Conference can be implemented quickly.

Reporter: On September 26, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed at the United Nations Development Summit to build a global energy internet to promote clean and green ways to meet global electricity demand. What do you think is the significance of this initiative for the world's economic and social development and human sustainable development?

Kerr: The proposal by President Xi Jinping at the United Nations Development Summit on September 26 to build a global energy internet has opened up a new world for us. This is undoubtedly one of the most important initiatives so far. The global energy internet can not only reduce emissions that cause global warming and toxic gas pollution, but also provide a path for energy solutions and make a positive contribution to sustainable development.

Reporter: You have met with Liu Zhenya, Chairman of the State Grid Corporation of China, several times, and expressed your support for the construction of a global energy internet, firmly believing that this concept "must be realized and will be realized." So, how do you evaluate the efforts and contributions made by the State Grid Corporation of China in building a global energy internet strategy?

Cole: I am deeply inspired by the vision and progress of China State Grid Corporation in building a global energy internet. China State Grid Corporation has both key technologies and the ability to build and operate an integrated power system at a larger level. I am deeply impressed by China State Grid Corporation's combination of advanced technology, clear strategy and excellent operational capabilities.

Reporter: As the former Director-General of the United Nations Global Compact, you have long been committed to building an inclusive and sustainable global economic environment. What role do you think the United Nations should play in promoting the development of the Global Energy Internet?

Cole: The United Nations should call on many organizations to make the construction of a global energy internet their top priority. The global energy internet is a very strategic concept, and it has been on the UN's agenda many times. The global energy internet can not only combat global warming and achieve sustainable energy development, but also connect people and countries. Climate, environment, development and peace are at the core of the United Nations and are interdependent and inseparable.

An important part of changing the way we consume energy

Reporter: Many countries in the world are facing environmental challenges, such as smog, water and soil pollution, and other environmental pollution problems. Should this be attributed to the excessive use of traditional fossil energy? What can be done in the production and consumption of energy to change this situation?

Kerr: The world is facing huge challenges. Oil has indeed contributed to economic development and poverty alleviation. Energy is the foundation of industrialization. At present, we are paying a high price and may cause great harm to the environment, such as environmental pollution and temperature rise. Therefore, we are deeply aware that the traditional model must change. We must change the way we consume energy and move towards a cleaner and more efficient production and utilization.

Reporter: The Global Energy Internet is interpreted as "smart grid + ultra-high voltage grid + clean energy". What do you think about the development prospects of ultra-high voltage and clean energy?

Kerr: UHV and clean energy, which China State Grid has vigorously developed, are an important part of changing the way we consume energy. Fortunately, the technology for clean energy production and long-distance transmission already exists. What is lacking is the infrastructure to use these on a larger scale, so that we can produce clean energy in large quantities in clean energy-rich areas and transmit it to wherever it is needed. This is why UHV technology is needed. So I think that focusing on building a batch of infrastructure that combines clean energy production with UHV transmission will better implement this smart solution.

Reporter: The scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation have brought new opportunities for the sustainable development of mankind. How do you think we should view the driving force brought by scientific and technological innovation in the energy field on the future development of mankind?

Cole: Science and technology are the foundation of production and development. The current knowledge and capabilities of mankind will bring us into a new era. In this new era, economic growth and environmental protection can develop in a coordinated manner. We are moving towards it rapidly - the industrial age requires courage and dedication, and science and technology just gives us the power to promote it.