The Memorandum of Understanding was signed this week during Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to the UK.

It follows the UK delegation’s visit to China last November to promote business partnerships and ties between the two countries.

The UK China Low Carbon Co-operation (LCC) will focus on the exchange of knowledge and expertise in low-carbon policy and development.

It will specifically look at the areas of low-carbon planning; the use of market mechanisms and policy frameworks to encourage low-carbon development and efficiency; and low-carbon standards labelling and procurement.

Energy and Climate Change secretary Chris Huhne said: “Making green growth a reality for both countries will be crucial for prosperity, the environment and for our energy security.

“Today’s agreement demonstrates that the UK and China want to accelerate this shift to low carbon and are committed to greater collaboration on energy markets and low carbon technology.”

The LCC will initially be focused on low-carbon pilots in the municipality Chongqing and provinces of Guangdong and Hubei, which have a combined population of 180 million people.

China has an ambition to reduce carbon intensity by 40-45% between 2005 and 2020.

Both countries will work towards establishing a UK-China Low Carbon Co-operation Committee and Action Plan in Spring 2011.

Alison Brown

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe