Beijing, August 17, 2024 — To promote the energy utilization of agricultural and forestry solid waste and to advance the dissemination and application of biomass energy technology, the "Symposium on Energy Utilization of Agricultural and Forestry Solid Waste and Biomass Stove Demonstration and Observation Meeting" was successfully held in Yanqing, Beijing. This event was organized by the China Association of Rural Energy Industry, with the aim of discussing the current status and challenges of resource processing of agricultural and forestry solid waste, showcasing advanced biomass pellet fuel production and biomass clean stove technologies, and promoting the sustainable development of related industries. The event include "Biomass Stove Exhibition" at the Morning and"Symposium on Energy Utilization of Agricultural and Forestry Solid Waste" at the Afternoon

The event was Presided by LIU Guangqing, Chairman of the Clean Stove Committee of the China Association of Rural Energy Industry and President of the China Alliance for Clean Stoves . The event invited more than 100 representatives, including leaders, experts, and scholars from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Energy Bureau, the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry, the Beijing Energy Conservation Center, as well as industry leaders from institutions such as Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China Agricultural University, and Peking University.

Demonstration and Observation Meeting: Display of Biomass Pellet Production and Biomass Stove Application.

On the morning of the event, the participants visited a biomass pellet production facility with an annual output of 100,000 tons, as well as more than 20 types of biomass clean cooking and heating stoves from over 10 companies. A live ignition demonstration was conducted, where the biomass pellet fuel fully burned in the stoves, showcasing the innovative technology and application effects of the stoves.

Symposium: In-Depth Discussion on Energy Utilization of Biomass and Clean Heating.

During the symposium, representatives from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry, the China Alliance for Clean Stoves , and industry representatives introduced the utilization of Beijing's biomass waste, the development status of China's clean stoves, the challenges and opportunities faced, as well as the technological innovations in biomass clean cooking and heating. Experts at the meeting shared their suggestions and provided advice for the future promotion of effective utilization of biomass waste in Beijing and across the country. This event has opened new paths for the energy utilization of agricultural and forestry solid waste and deepened the collaboration between government, enterprises, academia, and research institutions.

July 6th-18th 2024

From July 6th to 18th 2024, Liu Guangqing, Executive Director of the Belt and Road Global Cooperation Institute, Director of the Biomass Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Center, and Director of the Civil Clean Stoves Committee of the China Rural Energy Industry Association, visited three East African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, to conduct field investigations on the current status and needs of local residents' energy consumption, and held discussions with relevant departments on clean fuel and stove cooperation. Dr. Christian Rakaos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, and representatives of Chinese clean stove industry companies participated in this visit and exchange.

In Uganda, the delegation visited the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Center for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation , as well as stove and fuel manufacturing companies.

The delegation held in-depth exchanges and talks with the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking. The delegation was received by Mr. Jim Ssebadduka, Chairman of UNACC, and Ms. Sarah Babirye, the CEO. Jim Ssebadduka introduced the allaince`s development history, organizational structure and business scope, and elaborated on the current situation, existing problems and future needs of the energy structure of Ugandan residents and the development of stoves. Liu Guangqing introduced the development history, technological achievements and promotion and application experience of clean stoves in China. He pointed out that promoting the application of clean stoves in developing countries is not only a major livelihood project, but also an important measure to promote South-South cooperation and respond to global climate change. It is hoped that the two sides will build a China-Uganda clean stove industry-university-research cooperation platform to promote technological progress and product upgrades, improve the accessibility of clean energy to residents, and protect the health of residents and the ecological environment.

The delegation visited the Center for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation of Makerere University and the Uganda Regional Clean Stove Testing and Knowledge Center. The director of the center, Ms. Mary Suzan Abbo, and others received the delegation. The two sides had in-depth discussions on joint research on renewable energy, cooperation on clean stove testing platforms, and exchanges between teachers and students, and reached a willingness to cooperate.

The delegation visited the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda, where they were received by Director General Dr. Brian E.Isabirye, Assistant Secretary General Mr. Eng.Ssekitoleko, and Chief Energy Officer Mr. Eng.Herbert Abigaba. Brian E.Isabirye warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for the achievements made in the promotion of clean stoves in China. He introduced the relevant plans and policies for clean cooking in Uganda, and looked forward to learning from China's development experience to improve the level of clean cooking for residents. Liu Guangqing introduced the concept of the South-South Cooperation Clean Stove Project and proposed the cooperation between China and Uganda on clean fuels and stoves in industry, academia and research. He hoped that with the support of the governments of both sides, the close cooperation between universities, research institutions, enterprises and other non-governmental organizations would be promoted to help Uganda improve the quality level of clean stove products and industrial upgrading.

The delegation visited stove and fuel manufacturing companies in Uganda, including Ugastove, ClimateHub, and AES, toured stove production workshops and product displays, and exchanged views with company leaders on how to enhance the level of automated production and improve stove product quality.

During the visit to Tanzania, the delegation visited the Tanzanian Ministry of Energy, the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association and local stove manufacturing companies, and inspected the use of stoves by users. The delegation was received by Ms. Emma Laswai, Executive Secretary General of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association, Mr. Michael McGrath, Head of the Industrial Research and Development Organization of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Investment of Tanzania, and the Country Director of SNV Tanzania of the Netherlands, and relevant persons in charge of Dar es Saddam University. Emma Laswai introduced the development history and business scope of the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association. Other participants introduced their work in the fields of clean stoves, biogas, biomass fuels, carbon trading, etc. Both sides agreed that it is of great significance to build a China-Tanzania clean energy cooperation platform and reached a series of cooperation intentions.

The delegation was received by Mr. Eng. Felchesmi J. Mramba, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy of Tanzania, Dr. James P. Mataragio, Deputy Secretary General, President of Tanzania National Electricity Corporation, Director of the Rural Energy Promotion Office, and Head of the Office of the Vice President. Eng. Felchesmi J. Mramba introduced Tanzania's overall energy structure and national energy transformation development strategy, and hoped to work closely with the Chinese government and non-governmental organizations to accelerate Tanzania's energy transformation. Liu Guangqing elaborated on the foundation and prospects of China-Tanzania clean energy cooperation, and expected that the two sides would promote the continuous supply of clean energy and the improvement of energy terminal efficiency in Tanzania through the South-South cooperation mechanism based on Tanzania's technical needs.

In Rwanda, the delegation visited the Ministry of Infrastructure, Energy Private Developers (EPD), BioMaster and other institutions. Mr. Serge Wilson Muhizi, CEO of Energy Private Developers, received the delegation. He introduced the development history and business scope of EPD, and put forward the technical barriers and needs of Rwanda in the fields of clean fuels, stoves, biogas, solar energy, etc. Liu Guangqing introduced the development of relevant counterpart associations in my country, and put forward the China-Rwanda renewable energy cooperation model and proposal. The two sides discussed the cooperation plan and reached a cooperation intention.

Mr. Jean Bosco, Director of the Energy Department of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Rwanda, Ms. Peace Kalisa, Director of the Energy Department, and Mr. Aslimwe Martin, a policy monitoring and evaluation expert, received the visiting delegation. Jean Bosco introduced Rwanda's modern energy and clean stove promotion and subsidy plan, and put forward the demand for clean cooking of future residents. Liu Guangqing introduced my country's South-South Cooperation Clean Stove Program intention and clean stove development experience, and put forward specific suggestions for the construction of clean stoves and molded fuel demonstration sites in the future. Both sides look forward to building clean fuel production and clean stove application demonstrations on the basis of government cooperation, and promoting the innovation of clean cooking technology and industrial upgrading of Rwandan residents through demonstration and guidance.

The delegation visited the biomass pellet fuel factory processing site and pellet-matching clean stove application site of Rwanda Biomaster Company, and conducted in-depth discussions on cooperation to promote technological innovation and promotion.

The delegation visited three East African countries and conducted in-depth research on the current energy structure, energy transformation trends, clean cooking policies, technologies and promotion and application in these three countries. It also learned about the obstacles and needs of local stoves and their supporting fuels, and promoted and shared my country's advanced clean stove and molded fuel technology levels and industrialization experience, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent in-depth promotion of the South-South cooperation clean stove project and the construction of an industry-university-research cooperation platform.

14/05/2024

On May 14, 2024, the Global Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, hosted by the International Energy Agency (IEA), was held at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, France. The summit was co-chaired by Faith Birol, Administrator of the International Energy Agency; Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania; Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway; and Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. Leaders and ministers from more than 60 countries around the world and more than 100 heads of non-governmental organizations and social organizations attended the meeting.

Liu Guangqing, executive dean of Beijing University of Chemical Technology "The Belt and Road" Global Cooperation Institute, director of biomass energy and environmental engineering research center, director of China Association of rural energy source civil clean stove special committee, was invited to attend the summit.The International Energy Agency (IEA) convened global leaders for the Global Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa, with the aim of making 2024 a turning point in ensuring clean cooking for all. Nearly four out of five Africans still cook on open fires and traditional stoves using firewood, charcoal, animal dung and other polluting fuels. This has dire implications for health, gender equality and the environment, and poses a serious threat to the health and safety of women and children in particular.

Liu Guangqing also participated in the summit held during the “Principles for Responsible for Carbon Financing in Clean Cooking” Forum, and conducted exchanges and discussions with relevant experts and scholars. Liu Guangqing visited the clean stove product display held at the summit venue and asked in detail about the barriers and needs of clean cooking in Africa. The promotion of various kinds of clean stoves in Africa, the technical advantages of products, and introduced the development of biomass forming fuels and clean stoves and their technical benefits in China. I hope to carry out international exchanges and cooperation with you, share experiences, and jointly promote the development of clean cooking in Africa.

10 March 2024

From February 28th - March 1st, Professor Guangqing Liu, Director of China Association of rural energy source industry civil clean stove, Associate Professor Xue Chunyu, Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and representatives of China's biomass clean heating industry went to Italy to carry out biomass clean heating investigation and exchange activities. The delegation took part in the 14th Progetto Fuoco International Exhibition for Firewood Heating Energy Systems and Equipment in Verona, Italy, And with the World Bioenergy Association, the European Pellet Association, the Italian Agriculture and Forestry Energy Association, Greek Bioenergy Association, the Spanish Pellet Association and other relevant institutions and business leaders conducted cooperation and exchanges.

Mr. Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, accompanied the delegation to visit the exhibition and organized exchange talks. The exhibition is divided into seven exhibition halls, respectively, the biomass molding fuel and processing equipment, biomass stoves, biomass boilers, stoves and boiler related accessories and other technologies, products and equipment. The delegation observed various kinds of products and equipment in kind, learned the design concept and technical points of European biomass clean heating products and equipment, and discussed and exchanged technological innovation and future cooperation intentions with the exhibitors.

During the visit, the delegation met with Mr. Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, Mr. Pablo Rodero, President of the European Pellet Association, Mr. Ms. Matteo Favero, President of the Italian Agricultural and Forestry Energy Association, Mr. Manolis Karampinis, President of the Greek Pellet Association, and Ms. Doris Stiksl, President of the Austrian Pellet Association, held cooperation and exchange talks. The heads of relevant foreign institutions introduced the development status of biomass briquette fuel and related supporting stoves and boiler equipment in Europe and the role of associations in the development of the industry. He also expressed his willingness to communicate with Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China Association of rural energy source industry and China's relevant enterprises, and cooperate with them in the development and application of biomass stoves and boilers. Liu Guangqing introduced the technology and application of biomass briquette fuel and related stoves and boilers in China. He pointed out that biomass energy is a globally recognized zero-carbon energy, China and European countries have set carbon neutral goals, biomass clean heating will help to achieve carbon neutral goals. Europe has continued to carry out technological innovation in the field of biomass clean heating, with high product quality and a relatively complete quality certification system, which is worthy of reference for China. He hopes that through the in-depth cooperation between China and the EU, we can build a platform for knowledge sharing and technological innovation cooperation, and promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading in the industry.

Liu Guangqing and his team also examined automated testing equipment for quality test indicators such as particle size, length, moisture content, mechanical strength and furnace flue gas pollutant testing equipment, and exchanged discussions with engineers on the test mechanism, application range and sample handling. He pointed out that the quality of biomass pellet molding fuel and the test standards and test equipment of stoves and boiler flue gas emission levels are very important, which is an important guarantee for the use of biomass fuel for clean heating. It is of great significance to actively learn from and absorb the experience of Europe and improve the quality of biomass pellet molding fuel and the test ability of the pollution emission level of stoves and boilers in China for the technological innovation and sustainable development of the industry.

This visit further promoted the cooperation between China and Europe in the field of biomass clean heating, and played a positive role in promoting technological innovation and industrial development in the field of biomass heating in China.

31 October 2023

On October 20th , the International Cooperation Forum on Biomass Clean Cooking and Heating was successfully held under the guidance of the Agricultural Ecology and Resources Protection Station of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Foreign Cooperation and Exchange Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and hosted by Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Tan Tianwei, President of Beijing University of Chemical Technology and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Guo Jing, Chairman of the International Alliance for Green Development under the Belt and Road Initiative, Li Yonghong, Deputy Director of the Foreign Cooperation and Exchange Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Li Huibin, Chief Agronomist of the Agricultural Ecology and Resources Protection Station of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lei Fengyun, former Science and Technology Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Austria, Wang Feng, Vice President of Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and Christian Rakos, President of the World Bioenergy Association, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. The opening ceremony of the forum was hosted by Liu Guangqing, Executive Dean of the Belt and Road Global Cooperation Institute of Beijing University of Chemical Technology and Director of the Biomass Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Center.

In his video speech, Tan Tianwei said that traditional inefficient heating methods have caused air pollution and harmed people's health. Clean cooking and heating are major livelihood issues of global concern. Using biomass energy for clean cooking and heating is conducive to the adjustment of energy structures and improvement of environmental quality in various countries. Beijing University of Chemical Technology attaches great importance to global education and scientific and technological cooperation, and vigorously promotes the joint construction of the "Belt and Road". It hopes to work together with experts, scholars and entrepreneurs from all over the world to promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading of biomass clean cooking and heating, promote the green development of the "Belt and Road", and contribute to the promotion of the joint construction of a global community with a shared future.

Wang Feng said in his speech that international exchange and cooperation is one of the core functions of universities. In-depth implementation of the "Belt and Road" Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan and strengthening global science and technology innovation cooperation have become important strategic measures for universities to actively respond to the policy of opening up education to the outside world and promote the construction of a "global community with a shared future for mankind". As an important part of renewable energy, biomass energy can not only achieve clean cooking and heating by replacing fossil fuels, but also help improve the living environment, alleviate the energy crisis, and promote green and low-carbon technology innovation. This international forum will effectively promote exchanges and cooperation among industry, academia and research at home and abroad, and build a powerful platform for promoting sustainable development in the field of global biomass energy. He has high hopes for the "Belt and Road" Clean Cooking and Heating Alliance to be established, and hopes that industry, academia and research colleagues in this field in various countries around the world will work together to promote green and sustainable development and contribute to the development of global ecological and environmental protection.

Li Yonghong said in his speech that the world is currently facing challenges such as geopolitics, the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather, and global environmental governance is under pressure. Addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity, promoting green recovery and low-carbon sustainable development have become international consensus. The just-concluded third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation announced eight actions to support high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, one of which is to promote green development. The theme of this conference is "Biomass Energy Creates a Better World". It aims to share clean technologies and practical experience in replacing fossil energy with biomass energy, and to initiate the establishment of the Belt and Road Clean Cooking and Heating Alliance, which should be said to be timely. At the same time, he hopes that all sectors of industry, academia and research will carry out in-depth exchanges and cooperation to jointly promote the knowledge sharing and implementation of excellent green and low-carbon technologies, and promote the sustainable development process of China and the world.

Li Huibin said in his speech that a new round of global energy and technological revolution is developing rapidly, and renewable energy has become the main strategy for the global response to climate change. As an important renewable energy source, biomass energy is of great significance in terms of clean energy supply, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing farmers' income, and protecting the ecological environment. my country's "14th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development" strongly supports the development of renewable energy including biomass energy, and the diversified use of biomass energy and its application in clean heating are highly valued. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has also formulated the "Implementation Plan for Emission Reduction and Carbon Sequestration in Agriculture and Rural Areas", which encourages the use of green energy such as biomass, solar energy, and wind energy. He said that holding this international cooperation forum will help exchange innovative technologies and management experience on the one hand, and on the other hand, it will also build a good cooperation platform for further strengthening the development and utilization of agricultural biomass energy, reducing fossil energy consumption and mitigating climate change.

After the speeches, experts, scholars and entrepreneurs from China, the United States, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Mongolia and other countries delivered 29 wonderful plenary reports and keynote speeches, sharing innovative research results and promotion and application experience in the field of biomass clean cooking and heating.

At the end of the forum, more than 20 experts, scholars and entrepreneurs from China, Austria, Switzerland, Nepal, Thailand, Mongolia, the Philippines and other countries signed a statement online and offline to initiate the establishment of the "Belt and Road" Clean Cooking and Heating Alliance, and advocated promoting knowledge sharing, innovative research and promotion and application through the alliance platform, so as to contribute to the green development of the "Belt and Road" and the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and global carbon neutrality.

During the meeting, participants had full exchanges, mutual learning and mutual reference on technological innovation, product development, standard setting, promotion and application, and reached many cooperation intentions, laying the foundation for further deepening of cooperation. Industry peers from domestic and foreign universities, research institutions and enterprises attended the forum.

China Alliance for Clean Stoves was established in 2024 under the biomass energy and environmental engineering research center of Beijing University of Chemical Technology in an attempt to promote clean cooking and heating for better health and environment.

Approximately one-third of the global population rely on inefficient stoves and open fires for daily thermal energy needs, leading to environmental and health issues. These cooking and heating methods release climate-altering gases and contribute to global emissions. They also result in 3.7 million premature deaths annually, with 60% of these fatalities in Africa attributed to smoke inhalation and indoor air pollution. Additionally, these practices lead to economic and gender disparities, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

To address these challenges and achieve UN SDG 2030 Goal #7 for affordable and clean energy and #13climate action, this alliance advocates for extensive awareness-raising, cooperation, and the establishment of international networks for global effort in climate change mitigation and access to clean cooking.

Vision: Affordable clean cookstoves for everyone

Mission: To bring together people, organizations and communities to tackle the harmful effects of traditional cooking methods on health, the environment and livelihoods.

Our core values are trust, solidarity, mutuality, transparency, sustainability and accountability.