Guest Q&A|GAO Jifan: Low-Carbon Growth Needs Public Support

摘要：The rapid maturation and promotion of zero-emission and low-emission technologies(including renewable energy, nuclear energy, and

The rapid maturation and promotion of zero-emission and low-emission technologies(including renewable energy, nuclear energy, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage) hasbecome an important element of the global response to climate change. What kind of incentive mechanisms could further promote innovation in these technologies and their application?

GAO Jifan

Chairman, Trina Solar Co., Ltd.

First, fiscal and tax incentives should be introduced, including establishing a policy framework that balances incentives and penalties. The government should increase tax breaks for energy-saving and emission-reducing enterprises, and offer tax exemptions, financial subsidies, and interest rate subsidies to companies adopting zero-emission and low-emission technologies. Measures such as tax reductions for renewable energy projects and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects should be explored. Additionally, direct subsidies or tax reductions should be provided for corporate research and development (R&D) to reduce costs. Finally, the carbon pricing mechanism should be improved. Through carbon taxes or carbon trading systems, the cost of high-carbon emission technologies should be increased to enhance the market competitiveness of low-carbon technologies, providing the renewable energy industry with additional revenue and effectively incentivizing investment in clean energy projects such as photovoltaics.

Second, in terms of funding for R&D, it is recommended that governments and businesses jointly create R&D funds to support the development of zero-emission and low-emission technologies. Moreover, targeted financial products such as green bonds and carbon-neutral funds should be promoted to cultivate patient capital.

Third, regarding market access and policy support, it is suggested that the government facilitate market access for companies adopting clean energy technologies through legislation and regulatory measures. The green power certificate system and renewable energy quota systems, alongside other market mechanisms, should be elevated to promote the widespread adoption and application of clean energy.

Fourth, in terms of technological innovation and the conversion of results, efforts should be made to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, and research, promoting technological innovation and the commercialization of results. Open data platforms should be established to facilitate the sharing of technical information and data. Furthermore, strengthening international cooperation and exchange in zero-emission and low-emission technologies should also be explored.

Finally, sustainable low-carbon development requires the participation of the entire population. Public awareness of climate change should be raised through education and advocacy, and green consumption should be promoted. Public projects should be developed to support community-level low-carbon projects, such as distributed energy and energy-saving retrofits, which can enhance public engagement.