Global Energy Interconnection: an innovative solution for implementing the Paris Agreement—the significance and pathway of integrating GEI into global climate governance

• Main Authors: Mou Wang, Wenmei Kang, Zi Chen, Ying Zhang, Changyi Liu, Fang Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2018-10-01
• Series: Global Energy Interconnection
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2096511718300677

There has been great concern in the international community as to whether the Paris Agreement will effectively maintain the average global temperature increase below 2 °C from pre-industrial levels. When the nationally determined contributions (NDC) of the various state parties are added, it is clear that a gap remains. Thus, UNFCCC COP21 called upon all state parties and non-state actors to take additional actions to reduce emissions beyond NDCs in order to eliminate this gap. Against the background of energy consumption transformation and climate governance, Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), which features an innovative combination of advanced technologies such as clean energy, global connectivity, and ultra-high voltage transmission, offers a new option for global prosperity and growth with fewer emissions, lower economic costs, and a safer climate. However, it takes time for the international community to fully recognize, accept, and support GEI and the relevant organizations. Therefore, GEI organizations should take the initiative to reach out to the international climate governance system based on its characteristics of multiple tiers, circles, and poles enabling exchange of technology, funding, and projects in order to win widespread support for GEI and facilitate joint implementation. Only in this way will GEI bring further economic, social, and environmental benefits. Keywords: Global Energy Interconnection, UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Climate governance, Emission reduction scenario