Youth leaders from 13 Asia-Pacific countries and regions convened in Shenzhen on Aug 21 to discuss green energy cooperation and low-carbon transition strategies. The gathering aimed to leverage youth insights for regional development through shared experiences and technical collaboration.

The event, titled "Asia-Pacific Youth Gathering: Building a Shared Future Through Energy," was co-hosted by the China International Publishing Center, CSG Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau, and CSG Digital Media Technology. Over 60 experts, scholars, young delegates, and journalists participated in the discussions.

On-site Insights and Regional Cooperation

Participants visited the 110 kV Chunhui Substation, identified as the country's first zero-carbon smart educational substation, and the HQB Museum. These visits provided on-site insights into Shenzhen's green energy layout and industrial transformation.

Chhoeun Raksmey, director of the Department of Portable Water Policies at Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, emphasized that the green and low-carbon transition requires coordinated efforts from governments, private enterprises, research institutions, and communities.

Wirun Phichaiwongphakdee, director of the Thailand-China Research Center of the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighted grassroots success stories as examples of effective cooperation. He cited a Thai woman achieving financial independence with help from the Chinese Consulate General in Khon Kaen to run a hair salon, and Thai agricultural experts partnering with villagers in Du'an, Guangxi, to solve pomelo-growing challenges.

Grid Connectivity and Power Exchange

Discussions covered cross-border energy links, citing the China-Laos 500 kV interconnection project as a win-win practice. The project increases two-way power-exchange capacity from 50,000 kilowatts to 1.5 million kW and delivers 3 billion kWh of clean power annually.

Yang Bo from CSG Lancang-Mekong International noted that grid connectivity is only the first step, enabling electricity to flow freely in the market is the key. He added that continued efforts to advance regional cross-border grid connectivity will enable the efficient allocation of clean power across the region.

Digital Infrastructure and Future Outlook

Alex Choi, co-founder and executive director of MTEL Telecommunications from Macao, underscored the importance of digital infrastructure and youth innovation in industrial upgrading.

Fan Siran from CSG Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau briefed attendees on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's green power outlook. Nearly 60 percent of electricity in the region will come from green sources by 2030.

On computing-electricity synergy, Wang Hai, assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, called for a shift from one-way supply to two-way synergy between electricity and computing. Zhang Qian from CSG Shenzhen Power Supply Bureau proposed capitalizing on the Greater Bay Area's advantages in technology, application scenarios, and talent to build an AI-plus-energy innovation hub for the Asia-Pacific region.

What the Numbers Show

The data reveals a significant scaling trajectory for regional energy infrastructure. The increase in two-way power-exchange capacity from 50,000 kilowatts to 1.5 million kW represents a 30-fold expansion in transmission capability, directly supporting the delivery of 3 billion kWh of clean power annually.