Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Energy concerns in EU countries have been lingering recently. As EU nations step up discussions and preparations for their winter energy supply,MKsports the gas transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine is set to come to an end at the end of the year. Additionally, soaring electricity prices are sending shockwaves across Europe as the continent grapples with the impact of energy shortfalls.

Standing at a critical juncture in its mission to meet energy demand and fuel economic growth, Europe needs to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen energy cooperation. While it would be beneficial for the EU to expand cooperation with China, an important trading partner, in order to achieve these multiple goals, the EU needs to shun the protectionist mindset and embrace pragmatic cooperation with an open attitude. 

The recent rise in electricity and natural gas prices, along with other energy issues, has continued to deal a heavy blow to the European economy and society, and has also intensified the divisions and tensions among European member states.

Due to record-high electricity prices in Germany, several companies have been forced to halt production, according to media reports. Sweden has ramped up criticism of Germany in their energy price feud, European news website Euractiv reported. 

This exposes the structural malaise in Europe's energy policy. On the one hand, the EU's reliance on fossil fuels, despite its commitment to energy transition, still leaves it heavily affected by natural gas and other factors; on the other hand, although Europe has made certain achievements in wind and solar energy, the infrastructure and energy storage technologies for these sources are still not mature enough to meet peak demand. 

Europe faces three key obstacles at the heart of the clean energy transition: lack of funding, reliance on imports, and declining economic competitiveness, according to an article by US think tank Atlantic Council in October. Against this backdrop, it seems essential and urgent for the EU to expand cooperation with countries like China to promote its energy transition.

Both the EU and China have a vested interest in addressing climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources. This common goal can serve as a foundation for cooperation, particularly in areas like technology exchange, investment in renewable energy projects, and joint research initiatives.

The EU has advanced technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and grid management, while China is a leader in manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Collaborative efforts could enhance both parties' capabilities and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

While there are significant opportunities for the EU and China to cooperate in energy transition, the protectionist and geopolitical mindset from some European politicians poses a challenge. The potential for collaboration exists, but it will require strategic engagement and mutual understanding.

As the EU moves toward ambitious goals for clean energy such as photovoltaics, debate continues within the EU over whether or not to let protectionist measures disrupt normal trade with China in related industries. The EU adopting a balanced and rational approach to achieving its energy transition goals while maintaining trade cooperation with China is in line with the economic interests of Europe.

The EU could potentially benefit from pragmatic cooperation with China in the field of energy transition. China is a leader in renewable energy technologies, particularly in solar panels, wind turbines, and battery production. Further collaborating with China could bring about technology innovation advances on both sides, helping the EU accelerate its own energy transition.

Joint ventures and investments in renewable energy projects can create economic opportunities for both parties. The EU can attract Chinese investment in its green projects, and as the EU and China transition to a greener economy, there is potential for new markets to emerge. Cooperation with China could help both regions capitalize on these opportunities, fostering economic growth.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]