Tsinghua University sets up research institute for carbon neutrality studies

Tsinghua University, China's top academy, announced on Wednesday the establishment of a research institute for the studies on carbon neutrality. The research hub will focus on making breakthroughs to solve bottlenecks in major technologies in an effort to contribute more talents and resources to China's commitment of green development. 

The institute is aimed to serve the country's needs and resolution to tackle climate change. According to He Kebin, Dean of the School of Environment at Tsinghua University and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Tsinghua's strengths in basic research and interdisciplinary integration will give the institute advantageous resources to accelerate breakthroughs of core technologies, China News reported on Wednesday. 

Tsinghua University has accumulated rich experience in the area, the report said, including low-carbon power generation, new-generation power systems, zero-carbon transportation, and zero-carbon construction.

A number of innovations have also been developed by the university in the fields of industrial emission reduction technologies, carbon synergy, CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) and carbon sinks. 

The institute will work with other industries and regional cooperation platforms to jointly build flagship green enterprises and cities. 

Meanwhile, it will boost communication with top academies across the world to increase China's influence on international carbon neutrality technology. 

"China will step up support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy, and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his speech by video at the general debate of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

The huge sacrifice China made demonstrates its "firmest determination and greatest efforts" to make solid and detailed plans in achieving its green commitment and its devotion to solving humanity's most crucial issues, experts and industry players said.