On July 8th, the first China Energy Model Youth Forum was held in Hangzhou. In order to promote communication and collaboration among young scholars in the field of energy modeling in China and between young scholars and senior scholars, this youth forum adopted a format of "young scholars' presentations and senior scholars' comments." It invited more than thirty experts and scholars in the field of energy modeling to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges regarding the construction and innovation of energy models. More than sixty experts, scholars, researchers, and university students from both domestic and international institutions attended the event.

This forum was organized by Tsinghua University's Center for Industrial Development and Environmental Governance and the China Energy Model Forum, co-hosted by Zhejiang University's Center for Environmental and Energy Policy Research and the School of Economics and Management at Beihang University, with support from the Energy and Climate Management journal.

During the forum, Professor Tang Rong, Vice Dean of the School of Public Administration at Zhejiang University and Vice Dean of the Institute of Land and National Development, delivered a speech. He pointed out that the convening of the Youth Forum on Energy Models fully reflects the importance and responsibility of young scholars in the field of energy. He expressed hope that young scholars could expand their academic horizons through discussions and exchanges, bringing new breakthroughs to the development of the energy modeling field.

Speech by Tan Rong

The morning session of the forum was co-hosted by Professor Fang Kai, a distinguished professor and dean of the School of Public Administration at Zhejiang University, and Associate Professor Yuan Jun from the Institute of Supply Chain Research in Shanghai Maritime University. The presenters included Dr. Liu Yang, a postdoctoral researcher from the School of Environment at Tsinghua University; Dr. Su Xin, a postdoctoral researcher from the French National Center for Scientific Research; Li Xinbei, a doctoral student from the Institute of Science and Technology Strategy Consultation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Zhu Anfeng, a doctoral student from the School of Modern Agriculture at Peking University. Senior researcher Su Bin from the Energy Research Institute at the National University of Singapore, Professor Zhang Zengkai from the School of Environmental and Ecological Sciences at Xiamen University, Associate Professor Zhang Da from the Institute of Energy and Environmental Economics at Tsinghua University, and Assistant Professor Tong Dan from the Department of Earth System Science at Tsinghua University served as the main commentators for discussions and comments.

Fang Kai (left) and Yuan Jun (right) as moderators

Liu Yang presented the construction of an emission forecasting model based on GCAM-China. It was pointed out that under the carbon-neutral scenario, pollutant emissions are effectively reduced, and the transition to low-carbon energy plays a decisive role in long-term and continuous improvement of air quality. Researcher Su Bin provided comments and exchanges on aspects such as data, coupling of bottom-up and top-down models, and model scenario settings.

Su Xin explored emission reduction pathways based on greenhouse gas neutrality using the IMACLIM-China-MORE hybrid model. It was found that greenhouse gas neutrality has impacts on the economy, including GDP losses and additional investment requirements. The suggestion was made to promote the development of low-carbon technologies, reduce the cost of low-carbon technologies, and strengthen active guidance for macroeconomic policies such as carbon emissions trading. Professor Zhang Zengkai discussed model connection methods, policy scenarios, and offered suggestions for improving the industries included in the model.

Li Xinbei introduced the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and, through the construction of the GTAP-Power model, pointed out that this mechanism can effectively reduce carbon leakage in the EU while restoring the competitiveness of producers. In response to this unilateral policy, China can mitigate losses in high-carbon sectors through policies such as trade facilitation and energy efficiency improvement, reduce reliance on high-carbon industries, and promote the development of renewable energy generation. Associate Professor Zhang Da focused on policy scenarios, data selection, and industry impacts in his comments.

Zhu Anfeng constructed a large-scale optimization model based on the principle of "producing agricultural products in the most suitable regions." It was noted that optimizing the layout of agricultural production is an effective measure for resource conservation and climate adaptation. Consideration should be given to how agricultural production should be arranged under scenarios of resource conservation and environmental protection. Assistant Professor Tong Dan provided suggestions and discussed model optimization aspects such as model settings and crop rotation patterns.

Liu Yang, Su Xin, Li Xinbei, and Zhu Anfeng (from left to right, top to bottom)

were the four young scholars who presented their research.

Su Bin, Zhang Zengkai, Zhang Da, and Tong Dan (from left to right, top to bottom)

were the four senior scholars providing comments.

The afternoon session of the forum was co-hosted by Assistant Researcher Shen Yifan from the School of Economics and Management at Tongji University and Hundred Talents Program Researcher Li Yingzhu from the School of Public Administration at Zhejiang University. Presenters included Assistant Professor Yao Xing from the School of Economics and Management at Beihang University, Doctoral Student Wang Siqi from the School of Public Administration at Zhejiang University, Lecturer Gao Cuixia from the School of Mathematical Sciences at Jiangsu University, Doctoral Student Yang Lingyu from the Institute of Science and Technology Strategy Consultation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Assistant Researcher Wang Tianpeng from the Institute of Nuclear Energy and New Energy Technology at Tsinghua University.

As for the commentators, Professor Liu Yu, Distinguished Professor at the School of Urban and Environmental Sciences at Peking University, Professor Wang Qunwei, Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Assistant Professor Xie Yang from the School of Economics and Management at Beihang University, Associate Professor Tan Xiujie from the Institute of International Affairs at Wuhan University, and Professor Zhu Lei from the School of Economics and Management at Beihang University served as the main commentators providing comments and engaging in discussions.

Shen Yifan (left) and Li Yingzhu (right) as moderators

Yao Xing pointed out that wind and solar energy will replace fossil fuels as the primary sources of electricity in the power supply system. When considering meteorological risks in the modeling of the power system, it was discovered that the generation structure undergoes significant changes when dealing with extreme weather events. Therefore, it is crucial to proactively adjust the transition plans for the power system based on technological evolution pathways and establish market mechanisms that adapt to the characteristics of a low-carbon energy system. Professor Liu Yu delved into discussions on issues related to power grid transmission and the assessment of meteorological risks.

Wang Siqi used a nested MRIO (Multi-Regional Input-Output) model to identify the fairness of carbon emissions on the consumption side in Chinese cities from a global value chain perspective. It was pointed out that global trade helps reduce the overall "carbon inequality" of Chinese cities in international trade but may also impact more resource-rich inland cities with this "carbon inequality." Cities must optimize their industries and energy structures based on their actual circumstances to avoid becoming double victims of environmental and economic damage. Professor Wang Qunwei provided comments on various aspects, including data sources and the definition of inequality, and offered policy suggestions to improve the carbon fairness of Chinese cities in international trade.

Gao Cuixia presented a report on the carbon inequality issues in "Belt and Road" countries. It was noted that the economic benefits and pollution emissions resulting from trade in various countries are disproportionate, indicating a certain level of inequality. Five relationship patterns were identified using complex networks. It was emphasized that countries along the "Belt and Road" with higher income levels should make more efforts to reduce atmospheric pollution. Associate Professor Xie Yang expanded on this topic and provided recommendations for further research on how to achieve inter-country carbon equality policies.

Yang Lingyu conducted research on the economic and emission reduction impacts of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology based on an economic-energy-environment CGE (Computable General Equilibrium) model. It was clarified that as a foundational technology to achieve global climate control goals, the use of CCS technology is crucial for all countries worldwide to achieve their net-zero emission targets, and it can achieve higher carbon reduction effects. The recommendation was made to accelerate the pilot and commercialization processes of CCS technology and to pay full attention to the synergistic effects of supply and demand incentives on the development of CCS technology. Associate Professor Tan Xiujie discussed aspects related to the progress, diffusion patterns, costs, and more regarding CCS technology and provided suggestions for further improving the model.

Wang Tianpeng pointed out that China, as the largest greenhouse gas emitter and one of the countries most severely affected by climate change, is deeply concerned with climate science and climate damage functionality. This research integrates the latest developments in climate science and climate damage functionality into a comprehensive assessment model framework. Its aim is to enhance the scientific understanding of responsibility sharing among countries based on climate loss and damage assessments. The research results highlight the inequality that developing countries face in addressing climate change and support these countries in benefiting from the fund. Professor Zhu Lei, in his comments, noted that the study on "loss and damage" is a pressing issue that closely follows the current trends and requires further refinement in defining carbon emission responsibilities.

Yao Xing, Wang Siqi, Gao Cuixia, Yang Lingyu, and Wang Tianpeng (from left to right, top to bottom)

were the five young scholars who presented their research.

Liu Yu, Wang Qunwei, Xie Yang, Tan Xiujie, and Zhu Lei (from left to right, top to bottom)

were the four senior scholars providing comments.

During this forum, a total of nine sessions on various topics were conducted, and each young scholar's presentation received "one-on-one" feedback and discussions from the senior scholars and the presentations sparked lively discussions among the attending experts and scholars.

The scholars in the venue

As the forum presentations and discussions concluded, the event moved into the closing ceremony, where Senior Researcher Su Bin from the National University of Singapore delivered a speech. Su Bin began by recounting the origins of the Energy Model Youth Forum, emphasizing that the development of energy models is not a short-term task and is often the result of collective efforts by a team. He expressed the hope that the Energy Model Youth Forum would serve as a platform for outstanding young scholars researching energy models to learn, exchange ideas, discuss, and collaborate, thereby promoting innovation and development in the field of energy modeling in China.

Venue picture