Background of the Workshop

‘REEI Energy System Transformation Workshop 2016’ aims to provide a different angle of discussion on the issues that have been arising from China’s energy system transformation, namely the economics of energy system transformation in the Chinese power market reform context, which is inadequately discussed in the decision-making process.

Also, through REEI’s previous research, we found that there are limitations in considering health and social impact when making both energy and environmental policy in China. We therefore aim to incorporate the costs and benefits of the health and social components more directly into the energy system transformation discussion. The following themes will be the main focus of the workshop:

• The cost of power market reform and how to achieve higher renewable energy penetration rate;

• Public health and social benefits of energy system transformation.

We have envisaged that this workshop could contribute to open the dialogue among people from different sectors, and through this process we could be more clear of what the energy system transformation roadmap for China would be like, with considering both cost and benefits side in the process of decision making.  

What Do We Want to Achieve

This workshop will perform as a preliminary policy discussion for the Chinese audience to think holistically for a cost-effective, healthy and just transition of the Chinese energy system. We expect to include an extensive audience to diversify our thinking and achieve the following objectives:Objectives:

1. Discuss the economics of energy system transformation among experts and scholars;

2. Envisage the roadmap for China’s energy system transformation by considering social and health benefits

3. Discuss the opportunities and challenges for using impact assessment tools, including Health Impact Assessment, to support a just and effective energy system transformation.

Who Will Attend?

The workshop will target groups working in different areas but with a focus on energy sector and public health. The number of audience is estimated to be 50-80, and we are expecting people coming from energy research institutions, renewable energy trade unions and governmental energy research think-tanks. In addition, we want to bring people from public health, social studies, legal institutions into the discussion. Last but not least, NGOs working on energy and health related issues will be part of the audience as well.