Bridging the Ocean, Synergizing into a Clean Future
DCEA held “The Energy Bridge 2022.”
On August 10th, “The Energy Bridge 2022 – China-US Energy Industry Innovation Cooperation Forum” was successfully held by the Detroit Chinese Engineers Association, China Science and Technology Exchange Center, American International Exchange Center, and School of Vehicle and Mobility of Tsinghua University. 11 distinguished industrial speakers shared their knowledge, solutions, and visions on electric vehicle and smart grid. More than 7000 people across the world were in attendance at the forum. Without a doubt, “the Energy Bridge 2022” successfully synergized the decision-makers, scholars, and thinkers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.
At the event, Professor Minggao Ouyang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Science and a Professor at Tsinghua University, shared the progress of power battery technology in China. With more and more electric cars hitting the road, demand on the battery safety is raised to a new level. Professor Ouyang introduced the progress of his team on battery thermal runway analysis and corresponding solutions proposed by his team in Tsinghua University. His research includes the design of triple-salt EC free electrolyte, battery active safety algorithm and smart battery sensors.
Mr. Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, state of Michigan, introduced the vision and strategy of state of Michigan on mobility and Electrification Ecosystem. Mr. Pawl demonstrated various approaches of Michigan for realizing this vision including enabling Michigan’s mobility and EV workforce and growing Michigan’s smart and connected infrastructure. Ford, Google, state of Michigan, and City of Detroit are investing over $850 million in a mobility innovation and startups incubation campus.
Chenyin Yuan, Director of National New Energy Vehicle Tech Innovation Center (NNEVTIC), brought the exploration of green innovation on the development of intelligent NEV to the forum. NNEVTIC focused on initiating fundamental technology, marketization of the core innovations and startup incubation. Mr. Yuan demonstrated the contributions of NNEVTIC on the national strategies targeting carbon neutrality. Green Carb, a subordinate company founded by NNEVTIC, committed a successful collaboration with Aluminum Corporation of China on measurement and calculation of carbon emission covering the who production process.
Cynthia Williams, Global Director of Ford company, shared Ford’s vision on sustainability strategy and climate change. Since 2016, Ford committed to the sustainability strategy with 11 corporation goals defined includes: achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2050, reach true zero waste to landfill, work toward a future that is free from vehicle crashes and workplace injuries. Ford is electrifying all her bestselling vehicle brands in order to boost her vision of sustainability and climate change.
Yubo Lian, Vice president of BYD Co, Ltd introduced the technology innovation and market practice of BYD EV. BYD diversified her technology pathways by investing in both plugin Hybrid electric vehicle and battery electric vehicle. Blade battery was promoted as a core technology innovation by BYD to resolve the conflict between energy
density and safety.
Afterwards, the following distinguished speakers also made brilliant presentations: Co-founder of ePower Engine Systems Inc. WJ Gesong, Hewu wang, Director of Zero Carbon Transportation Research Center at the Institute for Carbon Neutrality of Tsinghua University, Wen Wang, the deputy general manager of state grid Electric Vehicle Service co., Chris Mi, distinguished professor from San Diego State University, Yongdong Liu, Deputy Secretary-general of China Electricity Council and Mark Heusel, Senior Partner of Dickinson Wright.
In the QA session, the audience proposed their questions for the speakers, including the regulation/laws of heavy-duty truck retrofitting and electrification, Ford’s commitment to battery recycling, and the contribution of fuel cell vehicles to China’s national energy safety strategy.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow delivered a congratulatory letter to the event, welcoming the participants to the forum at Detroit - the future of the automotive industry. She appreciates DCEA's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting science and technology for Michigan for automotive and related industry.
Zhao Jian, consul general from the Consulate-General of China in Chicago, attended the forum and delivered a remark. He emphasized the significant potential of energy technologies. The rapid revolution and innovation speed in hydrogen energy, smart energy, and renewable energy will cause a series of significant impacts on the development of the global economy. He believed that the “Energy Bridge 2022” would bridge the two nations and boost communication and collaboration in both the energy industry and academia.
