The National Energy Administration (NEA) officially launched the Working Group on Think Tanks under the BREP framework

The Belt and Road Energy Partnership (BREP) is the first multilateral cooperation platform in the energy sector initiated by China. It plays a pivotal role in advancing China’s constructive engagement in global energy governance. To enhance the role of think tanks in Belt and Road energy cooperation, the National Energy Administration (NEA) plans to establish a Working Group on Think Tanks under the BREP framework. The details are as follows:

I. Overview

In October 2021, during the Second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference, the BREP Cooperation Network (hereafter referred to as the Network) was officially established. As a vital component of the BREP, seven working groups were set up under the Network: Green Energy, Interconnection (Electricity), Oil and Gas, Smart Energy (Innovation), Green Finance, Universities (Youth), and International Communication. The Network now has 88 member institutions from China and other countries.

Since the establishment, the working groups have leveraged the BREP platform to deepen practical cooperation with Belt and Road countries through policy dialogue, planning alignment, technological collaboration, project development, and capacity building. These efforts significantly contributed to the practical cooperation with BREP countries and have supported the high-quality development of Belt and Road energy cooperation.

At the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference in October 2024, the NEA officially launched the Working Group on Think Tanks. This new working group aims to fully leverage the role of energy think tanks in policy coordination, technical exchange, and people-to-people connectivity.  It seeks to advance the professional and diversified development of Belt and Road energy cooperation.

II. Responsibilities

1. Policy Consultancy

Conduct comprehensive research on Belt and Road energy cooperation. By collaborating with domestic and international think tank resources, provide policy analysis and advice to Belt and Road countries and relevant energy enterprises.

2. Practical Cooperation

Strengthen research on key regions, countries, and industries under the Belt and Road framework, and offer insightful recommendations for energy project cooperation, promoting physical connectivity of energy infrastructure.

3. Frontier Research

Explore emerging energy technologies and innovative cooperation models through targeted studies and exchanges. Organize seminars and publish research reports, advancing institutional connectivity of energy rules and standards.

4. Talent Exchange

Facilitate capacity-building activities on topics including energy security, energy transition, energy accessibility, and cutting-edge technologies for Belt and Road countries, particularly for BREP members, to strengthen people-to-people bonds.

III. Operational Mechanism

The Think Tank Working Group will be operated within the BREP framework, comprising research institutions, universities, industry associations, and other organizations from China and other countries. All costs incurred will be borne by the member organizations of the Network.

A leading organization will be designated to develop detailed work plans, coordinate implementation efforts, deliver collaborative outcomes, and regularly report progress to the NEA. Member organizations are expected to actively support the leading organization by submitting proposals and work plans as required. Significant challenges encountered may be escalated to the NEA for coordination and resolution.

The NEA will periodically evaluate the working group’s performance and adjust its membership as needed. Outstanding achievements with significant demonstration value will be showcased and promoted at major diplomatic events hosted in China such as the Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference and the BREP Forum. Other notable outcomes will be highlighted through the Belt and Road Energy Cooperation website and related media platforms.

IV. Application Requirements

Organizations interested in joining the Working Group on Think Tanks are invited to complete the “Expression of Interest (EOI) Form for the Working Group on Think Tanks under the Belt and Road Energy Partnership Cooperation Network” (see attachment). The completed form should be submitted no later than January 24, 2025, to the Department of International Cooperation of NEA.

Contact: Fu Tianyi (+86-10-58385120)

Ding Wei (+86-10-81929687)

    Email: brep2024@126.com

Address: 46 Sanlihe Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, China, 100045

Fax: +86-10-81929663

 

 

Attachment: Expression of Interest (EOI) Form for the Working Group on Think Tanks under the Belt and Road Energy Partnership Cooperation Network

Department of General Affairs

 National Energy Administration of China

December 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachment

Expression of Interest (EOI) Form for the Working Group on Think Tanks under the Belt and Road Energy Partnership Cooperation Network