The Sino Sustainable Energy Association (SSEA) is an independent non-profit organisation founded by a group of Chinese professionals in the UK. It serves as a platform for technology transfer and collaboration in the field of renewable energy between China, UK and continental Europe. It aims to promote the use of sustainable energy and help China in its pursuit of sustainable development and building an energy-saving society.
In the face of worldwide climate change and energy shortages, renewable energy and sustainable development have become the pre-eminent global challenges of our time. Nowhere in the world are these challenges more evident than in China. Its rapid economic growth is fuelled by what is among the world’s fastest growth of energy consumption, causing serious environmental issues. China has set an ambitious goal of obtaining more than 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2015, up from the current 1%, equivalent to adding the UK’s total electricity capacity nowadays.
Although the renewable energy industry is still in its infancy, the opportunities for future growth are enormous. China alone is investing over 10 billion dollars a year in this area, and with both solar and wind power capacity doubled last year, the SSEA believes that China will become a leader and key stakeholder in the future of renewable energy. It has not only a huge market size but also the potential to serve as a major R&D centre and supplier of related products for the rest of the world.
Founded in late 2006, the SSEA is the brainchild of a group of Chinese professionals in the UK inspired by the remarkable achievements China had made in the field of renewable energy. We are passionate to use our expertise to bring new technologies and businesses to China in the wake of these unprecedented opportunities.
However, it soon occurs to us that various hurdles exist between the relevant parties preventing them from collaborating effectively. For instance, the market information falls behind the fast-paced technology development. Investors are reluctant to grant early funding for innovative but risky projects. Start-up companies with new ideas and market niche have difficulties securing finances. Foreign businesses and technology holders have concerns over intellectual properties. And local authorities are not always well informed to decide on the most suitable solutions for them.
The SSEA therefore strives to provide a platform that brings all the players together in China, the UK and even Europe. Firstly, it serves as a hub for the latest technology, business and policy information. Secondly, it builds a network through which relevant parties from the private, public and voluntary sectors are able to communicate and interact with each others. Finally, the SSEA provides integrated solutions to businesses and local governments on projects related to sustainable energy.