As signed January 15, 2026
The Department of Natural Resources of Canada (hereinafter referred to as "the “Canadian Participant”) and the National Energy Administration of the People's Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as "the “Chinese Participant”), collectively hereinafter referred to as the “Participants”,
Recalling the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Natural Resources of Canada and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China concerning Cooperation in the Field of Energy, signed at Beijing on 7 June 2017 (the “2017 MOU on Energy Cooperation”);
Recalling the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Natural Resources of Canada and the China National Energy Administration on Nuclear Energy Collaboration, signed at Beijing on 8 November 2014 (the “2014 MOU on Nuclear Energy Cooperation”);
Recognizing that strengthening bilateral energy dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual benefits and mutual respect is conducive to the efforts of Canada and the People’s Republic of China in ensuring energy security, advancing the energy transition, and promoting sustainable economic development;
Acknowledging the critical role of transitioning towards clean, low-carbon, secure, efficient and modern energy systems in promoting energy security and facilitating sustainable development;
Convinced that deepening energy cooperation would generate further commercial opportunities for the energy sectors of Canada and the People’s Republic of China;
Have reached the following understanding:
1. Objectives
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the Participants in the fields of both conventional and clean energy by establishing a Ministerial Dialogue on Energy. The objectives of this MOU consist of creating an open, transparent and stable environment for bilateral energy trade and investment cooperation, promoting practical business cooperation, and supporting the two countries in achieving their respective energy security and sustainable development goals. These objectives are complementary to the objectives outlined in the 2017 MOU on Energy Cooperation.
2. Areas of Cooperation
The Participants decide, subject to their respective domestic laws, regulations, and policies, to conduct exchanges and cooperation in areas including but not limited to the following:
- Energy Policy Dialogue and Information Exchange
The Participants will conduct energy policy dialogue exchange on topics such as energy security, energy transition and regional energy cooperation, and promote the sharing of policy initiatives and best practices between the Participants. - Energy Transition
The Participants will support bilateral exchanges and cooperation in zero and low carbon energy sources and technologies, including renewable energy, noting their shared ambition to reduce emissions consistent with a trajectory towards their respective net-zero/carbon neutral goals. The Participants recognize the potential for renewable energy cooperation, including offshore wind, and aims to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. - Conventional Energy
The Participants recognize that conventional energy continues to play an important role in the energy transition. The Participants decide to strengthen exchanges in areas such as oil and gas resources development, including crude oil, liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), and liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) trade; voluntary, industry-led emissions reductions initiatives; and information and analysis sharing of industry and market developments. The Participants recognize Canada as an important potential partner in responsibly produced and reliable global oil, LNG, and LPG supply and will explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation based on market principles. - Civil Nuclear Energy and Uranium Resources
The Participants recognize the importance of their bilateral nuclear energy cooperation and will commit to responsible management in accordance with the highest international standards including relevant International Atomic Energy Agency instruments. This cooperation will be in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, done at Beijing on 7 November 1994, and the 2014 MOU on Nuclear Energy Cooperation. The Participants will aim to strengthen cooperation in natural uranium trade, and the operation and maintenance of Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) technology, building on their existing foundation of collaboration. - Multilateral Cooperation
The Participants will enhance bilateral communication and coordination under energy mechanisms such as APEC, the G20, and the United Nations, and jointly promote a global energy governance system that is inclusive and transparent. The Participants look forward to strengthening cooperation during China’s and Canada’s respective hosting of APEC in 2026 and 2029, respectively, to advance shared priorities.
3. Cooperation Mechanism and Implementation
- The Participants decide to establish a Ministerial Dialogue on Energy (the “Dialogue”). The Participants understand that this Dialogue will provide strategic direction for bilateral cooperation, advance specific cooperative items, and explore opportunities and potential for further collaboration. The Participants understand that the Dialogue will be held every twelve (12) to eighteen (18) months, hosted alternately by the Participants. The specific timing, venue, agenda, and topics for each session will be determined through mutual consultation prior to the meeting.
- The Participants will reinvigorate the Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation (“the Joint Working Group”), as outlined in Section 6 of the 2017 MOU on Energy Cooperation, to implement cooperative activities, as directed by the Ministerial Dialogue. The Working Group will update their terms of reference, and plan and coordinate these activities.
- Each Participant will designate a lead coordinating entity (for the Canadian Participant, the Strategic Policy and Innovation Sector of the Department of Natural Resources of Canada; for the Chinese Participant, the Department of International Cooperation of the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China) to coordinate activities under this MOU. Each Participant will designate one focal point responsible for day-to-day communication and coordination with the other Participant in implementing this MOU. The Participants will confirm their respective focal points through an exchange of letters within ninety (90) days following the signing of this MOU.
- The Participants encourage enterprises of the two countries to establish direct contacts to promote opportunities for trade and investment cooperation in the energy sector.
4. Status
This MOU is not legally binding and reflects the common intent of the Participants to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of energy.
5. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
If any intellectual property matters are expected to arise from the application of this MOU, the Participants will address them in separate instruments. These instruments could include non-disclosure arrangements, licensing arrangements, collaborative research arrangements, or other contracts.
6. Differences of Interpretation and Implementation
Any differences arising from the interpretation or implementation of this MOU will be settled through friendly consultation between the Participants.
7. Final Dispositions
- This MOU will come into effect upon its signature by the Participants.
- This MoU will remain in effect for a period of five (5) years and may be extended by mutual consent through consultation.
- The Participants may amend this MOU upon their mutual consent in writing, and work plans or supplementary arrangements may be developed according to cooperation needs.
- Either Participant may terminate this MOU at any time by giving a thirty (30) days written notice to the other Participant. The Participants understand that, unless otherwise jointly decided, termination will not affect the completion of any activities or programs establish upon prior to the effective date of termination.