The UK and China today formally agreed to work together on low carbon growth.

The UK China Low Carbon Co-operation deal was reached in a meeting between government ministers and Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang.

It is designed to strengthen the exchange of practical policy know-how and expertise between the two countries on three key areas: Low-carbon planning; the use of market mechanisms, including emissions accounting and trading, and wider low carbon policy frameworks and analysis to encourage low-carbon development and energy efficiency; and low carbon standards, low-carbon labelling and procurement to bring about low carbon consumption.

The UK-China LCC will focus initially on co-operation between the UK and low carbon pilot schemes in the Chinese provinces of Chongqing, Guangdong and Hubei.

Both countries have also agreed to work towards establishing a UK-China Low Carbon Co-operation Committee and Action Plan later this year.

Today’s Memorandum of Understanding builds on talks held last year by Energy Secretary Chris Huhne on a trade mission to China. Today Mr 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 pact with Whitehall comes after Mr Li held successful talks in Scotland at the weekend to put in place renewable energy alliances with the Scottish government.

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