China picks up UK energy calculator

China has been working with the UK on a way of adapting a British energy modelling system to its own economy. The Asian superpower’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) has been […]

China has been working with the UK on a way of adapting a British energy modelling system to its own economy.

The Asian superpower’s Energy Research Institute (ERI) has been working with its British counterparts to adapt the UK Government’s ‘2050 Calculator’.

The online tool, which will be available to the public, exposes the risks and trade-offs linked with different future energy scenarios, such as what balance could be struck between energy efficiency and building new power supply.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “The 2050 Calculator is a ground-breaking tool to help countries better plan their future energy strategy, in a transparent and evidence-based way.”

Other nations could soon be picking up the British technology too, as DECC has successfully bid for up to £2.1m of funding support work on a 2050 Calculator in 10 more developing countries over the next two years.

The news comes as China and the UK today begin hosting a four-day energy conference together in Beijing this week, run by DECC, the Foreign Office and the ERI.

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