From 16 to 29 June, China University of Petroleum, Beijing (CUP) organized the summer camp "Future Green Energy Leaders" with 15 participants and lecturers from Harvard University and the University of Tulsa. The program was designed to promote U.S.-China cooperation in the sphere of education concerning green energy. Furthermore, the program provided students with a firsthand view of China’s advancements in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
A series of lectures, company visits, and cultural activities on the subject of the green energy transition: Students visited the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone to learn the latest accomplishments of hydrogen energy in China. This visit will help the participants grasp the ability of hydrogen to deliver clean energy and its growing applications across China. A graduate student in energy management at the University of Tulsa, Michael Tillman, described it this way: "I saw two hydrogen atoms interacting with oxygen and electrons inside an engine, generating the energy to power the car. It's incredible to see how clean and efficient this process can be."
The participants had an opportunity to discuss the future of hydrogen, its economic potential, and the scope for international cooperation with the experts. Michael provided a hopeful view on the prospects for hydrogen energy: "While there remain serious challenges ahead, it is definitely a step in the right direction to go green. Only through knowledge exchange and technological development among countries will these dreamlike energies come to life."
Highlights of the camp included a visit to Zhangjiakou Renewable Energy Demonstration Zone, where participants were shown different exhibition facilities with wind, solar, and energy storage technologies. Another visit was made to the site for China International Solar Decathlon, co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, where the group visited innovative solar houses that are energy-efficient and designed for use in sustainable living. The progress of the two countries in attaining a sustainable energy future was seen during these visits.
Apart from the site visits, the delegates participated in the 2024 International Conference on CCUS, where they discussed developments and state-of-the-art technologies and innovations in this area with Chinese experts. To that end, it involved having guest lectures whereby students interacted with the associates of China National Petroleum Corporation and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The course content involved U.S.-China energy cooperation, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence use in energy systems.
It was not only designed with green energy but also very rich in culture content. The students visited great sites, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Summer Palace, all full of insight into Chinese history and culture. The students also experienced a lot of other activities, like learning Chinese languages, traditional arts, and so on.
Musing upon all these, many students felt that such achievements of China in developing clean energy sources deserve all respect. For University of Tulsa electrical engineering student Sarah Downs, "It's really inspirational to take a look at where China has come in the clean energy space. It was such an experience, gave me hope for future global cooperation in green energy," Michael added, on his part, "When I go back to the U.S.A, I would share with my class and professors what I have learned. I mean, I truly believe that cooperation is key. Cooperation is going to be the building brick to a greener future for all of us. Just like the lyrics of Michael Jackson's Heal the World—it's about creating a better place for everyone.
This summer camp is the first U.S.-China exchange program ever organized by CUP and focused on the new green energy reform movement. The historic context promoted educational cooperation between the two countries and allowed the participants to learn firsthand how China is committed to sustainable development. Looking ahead, both countries will continue to strengthen their ties through joint efforts in energy education and research, contributing to a greener global future.