The rapid advancement of battery technology, significantly driven by Chinese innovation, has made renewable energy not only viable but increasingly essential for global energy security and affordability, according to Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, a leading British energy supplier.
Greg Jackson is one of the businessmen accompanying British Prime Minister Starmer's visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, from Jan 28 to 31, accompanied by nearly 60 British businesses and cultural organizations.
Jackson, joining the British business delegation in Beijing, highlighted Chinese technological contributions to the transformative shift in the global energy landscape in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
"Solar and wind can generate a lot of electricity. The incredible advances in batteries mean that we can use that electricity not only when it's sunny, but at nighttime as well. And of course, Chinese technologies have made that possible. I think that very few people in the world understand just how much progress has been made in these technologies, especially batteries," he said.
The dramatic cost reduction in energy storage now enables countries to pivot toward domestically produced solar and wind power, he said.
"The cost of using a battery to store electricity has fallen twentyfold in the last 12 years. What that means is that solutions that were impossible in 2015 are now obvious in 2025. And part of my message to the rest of the world is if we can understand how these technologies have changed, we need to change our path to use more of them. It will give us cheaper electricity," said Jackson.
The integration of solar, wind, and battery systems offers a path to energy independence, reducing countries' reliance on imported fossil fuels, he stressed.
"I recognize China electrified initially with coal, but now China's building so much renewables. We can start to turn that corner. The European continent is still too dependent on fossil fuels. So if I look at the UK, maybe Germany, 70 percent of Germany's energy is imported. But the technologies of solar, wind, battery enable a country to produce its own electricity. And I think that's going to give them more security. It also helps bring cost down, and helps improve the quality of life. It not only tackles climate change, but it makes for cleaner air and quieter cities," he said.
Europe should learn from China's innovation with renewable energy: British entrepreneur
