On June 23, 2025, leading Chinese and British experts gathered in London for a high-level dialogue on net-zero emission power systems, co-hosted by Energy Foundation China (EF China) and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. The meeting brought together more than 30 representatives from government agencies, research institutions, and energy companies—including the British Embassy Beijing, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero of the UK, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization, China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute, China Electricity Council, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Ember, University of Oxford, the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), and Octopus Energy.

Group Photo of Participants (Source: EF China)

The meeting focused on the shared challenges and solutions for the UK and China as both countries progress toward net-zero power systems. Despite differences in the structure and development paths of their respective power sectors, experts agreed that both countries confront similar issues in integrating high shares of clean energy, phasing out coal, designing efficient electricity markets, and improving system flexibility. These shared priorities, they agreed, offer fertile ground for deeper cooperation.

Zou Ji, President and CEO of EF China, and Alex Way, Counsellor on Net-Zero at the British Embassy Beijing FCDO, delivered opening remarks. Zou Ji noted data shows that China’s carbon emissions may be plateauing, marking a milestone on the path toward carbon peaking. He stressed that rising electricity demand shouldn’t be seen as a threat, but rather as an opportunity to ramp up renewable energy development. Way underscored the pivotal moment for global green transition and called for UK-China leadership, stressing that China and the UK can work more closely under their clean energy partnership to scale up clean power development, improve electricity market design, and drive technological innovation.

Zou Ji, President and CEO of EF China, and Alex Way, Counsellor on Net-Zero at the British Embassy Beijing FCDO, delivered opening remarks (Source: EF China)

Experts from both countries introduced their respective energy transition overviews. British representatives described how the UK reduced coal-fired power from 40% to near zero in just over a decade—driven by clear phaseout plans, the Carbon Price Floor, and rapid offshore wind development. They also stressed the importance of long-term transition planning and capacity building. Experts from China highlighted recent progress in wind and solar capacity, peak load regulation, and smart grid development. At the same time, they acknowledged hurdles including the intermittency of renewables, misaligned supply and demand, and rising system costs. They suggested that China is building a new power system, anchored in virtual power plants, layered market mechanisms, and intelligent grid infrastructure.

Experts from China and the UK introduced energy transition overviews from both countries (Source: EF China)

In panel discussions, participants explored practical strategies to manage these transitions. Topics included net-zero transition of power markets, power market design, grid investment, demand-side flexibility, and how to resolve grid connection bottlenecks. As renewables grow, so does the challenge of matching generation and consumption, as well as phasing out coal systematically. Experts called for more flexible electricity pricing to unlock demand-side flexibility. Despite notable progress in wind and solar development in both countries, grid integration and limited system flexibility remain critical bottlenecks. Experts agreed that both countries must push forward with grid and market coordination reforms to fully harness the potential of clean energy.

China-UK Dialogue on Net-Zero Emission Power Systems (Source: EF China)

The in-depth dialogue surfaced complementary strengths between China and the UK in green power system transition and identified promising areas for future collaboration. Participants pledged to use the momentum from this meeting to deepen exchange on policy, technology and market mechanisms, to jointly support the clean energy transition in both countries, and contribute to global climate goals.