(Yicai Global) June 13 -- French digital automation and energy management giant Schneider Electric, UK engineering consulting company Arup and other international firms are investing in green initiatives in China to support the country’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals.

Schneider Electric will continue to increase its investment in research and development in China as more Chinese businesses embark on a low-carbon transition, Zhang Kaipeng, senior vice president of Schneider Electric’s China division and head of the company’s supply chain in China, told Yicai Global.

Carbon emissions reduction is a systematic project and supply chain synergy is key, Zhang Kaipeng said at the Shanghai International Carbon Neutrality Expo in Technologies, Products and Achievements which runs until June 14. The Rueil-Malmaison-based firm, on the basis of up to 90% of its components are bought locally, aims to continue localize upgrades.

Schneider Electric’s carbon emissions during production and operation account for less than 10 percent of that of its entire supply chain, Zhang said. It is very important to collaborate with upstream and downstream partners to apply green and low-carbon initiatives to the whole supply chain in addition to efforts to reduce the firm’s own greenhouse gas emissions.

Arup’s goal in China is low carbon emissions, said Zhang Zhiqiang, head of Arup’s China arm. The London-based company will continue to promote the exchange and development of green and low-carbon technologies in China’s construction and environmental sectors.

Arup, which has participated in the development of the Beijing Olympic venues, the World Exposition in Shanghai and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, will follow China’s carbon peaking and neutrality goals over the next five to 10 years, Zhang Zhiqiang said.

China will make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment, including by reducing the negative list of foreign investment by a reasonable amount and further relaxing foreign investment restrictions, Zhou Qiang, director general of the Department of Market System Development at the Ministry of Commerce, said on June 5.

Tesla displayed its Megapack, a large stationary battery for use in energy storage power stations, that were made at its newly built Shanghai Megafactory at the expo. Each Megapack is said to be able to store more than megawatts of energy, enough to meet the electricity needs of 3,600 households for one hour. The Megapacks produced in Shanghai will supply the global market.

Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai sources over 95 percent of its components locally, has generated 100,000 jobs and provided CNY700 billion (USD97.8 billion) in orders so far to 360 suppliers. Around 60 Chinese companies have entered California-based Tesla’s global supply chain.

Editor: Kim Taylor