On September 10th, Qiao Xubin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of China Energy Engineering Group International Co., Ltd., met with Tristan De Drouas, CEO of EDF Renewables South Africa, and Erwann DEBOS, CEO of EDF Invest, at the group’s headquarters. The two sides held in-depth discussions on enhancing communication, advancing key projects, and actively exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas such as photovoltaics, wind power, new energy storage, and large-scale renewable energy bases.

Qiao Xubin welcomed Tristan De Drouas and Erwann DEBOS. He highlighted that as one of the world’s largest providers of integrated solutions for the energy and power sector, as well as an infrastructure investor and contractor, China Energy Engineering (CEEC) leverages its advantages in the integration of wind, solar, hydropower, thermal power, and energy storage, as well as its full industrial chain. These strengths align well with EDF’s development philosophy, creating a strong complementary relationship in the global renewable energy sector. He emphasized that South Africa is a key market for CEEC in the Southeast Africa region, with strong energy and power demands. Against the backdrop of deepening China-Africa cooperation, he expressed hope that both parties would strengthen communication, promote the smooth execution of key cooperation projects, and explore broader opportunities in photovoltaic, wind power, new energy storage, and large-scale renewable energy projects in South Africa, leading to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Tristan De Drouas praised CEEC’s achievements in the global energy and power sectors, especially in renewable energy, and provided an overview of EDF Renewables South Africa’s operations. He stated that EDF Renewables South Africa focuses on the development, investment, construction, ownership, and operation of commercial renewable energy projects, with strong capabilities in providing comprehensive solutions for wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage. Having worked in South Africa for many years, EDF has extensive experience and achievements in wind and photovoltaic projects in the country. He noted the high level of trust established in previous collaborations with CEEC and expressed optimism about future cooperation. Tristan also expressed a desire to strengthen trust and collaboration, deepening cooperation in South Africa’s renewable energy sector and contributing to sustainable energy development in South Africa and globally.

Erwann DEBOS added that EDF Invest would actively support EDF Renewables South Africa in advancing project development efforts in the country.

The meeting was attended by Zhang Heng, Vice President of China Energy Engineering Group; Shen Chen, Executive General Manager of the Southeast Africa Regional Headquarters; Zhou Xing, Vice President of Gezhouba Power Co.; and other relevant personnel from Gezhouba International Co.