WWF brings major low carbon technology programme to China

WWF has announced the China launch of Climate Solver, the organization’s primary programme to strengthen the development and widespread use of technologies that can dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions. WWF is expanding the Climate Solver programme from Europe to China because of the country’s unique position as both the world’s largest carbon emitter, and the nation with the most ambitious low carbon development targets—as well as a robust low carbon technology startup sector. Speaking at the launch ceremony, which included researchers from the National Climate Change Center and Institute for Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hou Yanli, director, Climate and Energy Programme, WWF-China, said: “China is a major emitter with the will to change, precisely the type of situation where a programme such as Climate Solver can have the greatest impact.” “China will require greater development and adoption of low carbon technologies if it is to meet the Twelfth Five-Year Plan targets of non-fossil fuel energy comprising 11.4% of primary energy mix by 2015 and 15% by 2020, from less than 9% now. Climate Solver can help, and helping China meet its targets will be good for the country and the world.” How Climate Solver works WWF will work with government agencies, research institutions, science and technology parks, and others to identify small- and medium-sized enterprises in China with innovative low carbon technologies, but low market share. WWF will work with third parties to evaluate these enterprises and their technologies based on potential to reduce carbon emissions. Those with the greatest potential will be named Climate Solver companies, and WWF will provide these enterprises with two valuable items: credibility and exposure. The experience of Climate Solver companies in Sweden is that enhanced credibility from passing through WWF’s evaluation process and being named a Climate Solver company increases support from investors and customers. Further, Climate Solver companies receive opportunities to meet and build relationships with the organizations WWF has relationships with, including government agencies, research institutions, science and technology parks, and the media. Svante Bengtsson, CEO of Swedish energy-efficiency startup and Climate Solver company Rehact, has said of the Climate Solver experience: “Absolutely, a door opener. Most people know of WWF and find it interesting that we are one out of a few chosen companies. It creates credibility. It has been of high significance for us.” David Andersson, CEO of Swedish carbon capture startup and Climate Solver company Ecoera, has said: “The nomination to Climate Solvers is a very valuable acknowledgement for us; we have greatly benefited from it. Very positive and good PR from it. We have, for example, participated during the Almedalen Week and the Copenhagen conference, which have been very useful.” Chinese low carbon technology startups seeking the benefits of Climate Solver status can contact WWF.