Chapter 28 25. From coal to clean energy

China's economic growth is still largely dependent on coal, and its use is growing.In the field of energy, coal is still China's basic energy source.China's production structure is far from that of developed countries. 80% of China's energy needs are met by coal, which will produce a lot of carbon dioxide.The status quo must change! In order to change the energy structure, the Chinese government should develop new energy sources and find ways to develop strategic emerging industries. Research by the Worldwatch Institute shows that China will become the world's largest producer of renewable energy.By 2020, China will achieve the goal of providing 15% of its electricity needs from renewable raw materials (8% in 2010), and by 2050, it will increase to 30%.

To this end, China plans to invest 146 billion euros in the development of renewable energy within five years. Wind, solar and hydropower are developing particularly rapidly in China.According to the goal of the 12th Five-Year Plan, by 2015, China's non-fossil energy will account for 11% of total energy consumption, and by 2020 it will reach 15%, in order to achieve the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 40% to 50%. Many groups and individuals use clean energy in their daily lives.About 10% of Chinese households use solar water heaters!In less than 2020, China will become the country with the most extensive use of clean energy!In the next few years, China will overtake the current leaders in wind and solar technology: Europe, Japan and North America.

For example, in the city of Dunhuang in northwestern China, China is investing in the construction of the world's largest solar power station. This year, China's domestic demand for solar and photovoltaic power will reach 500,000 kilowatts. China plans to gradually develop the solar market: from 5 million kilowatts in 2015 to 20 million kilowatts in 2020.Even though Beijing's economic engine is still mainly driven by coal, China is already the world's largest hydroelectric power generation country! Another trump card of China is geographical conditions and huge hydropower potential.China is increasingly turning to hydropower to secure its power supply as it hopes to increase its share of total electricity production.

In 2009, with the completion of the world's largest power station, the Three Gorges Dam, China crossed a major hurdle in the field of hydropower, showing its determination. So, what are China's energy priorities? optimization of fossil fuels; Accelerate the development of non-fossil energy sources: hydropower, nuclear power, wind and solar energy, etc.; Strengthen the construction of transportation network; Accelerate technological innovation; Strengthen awareness of energy conservation and reduce air pollution; strengthen international cooperation; Promote the reform of the energy system.

Bank of China Investment: Carbon Dioxide Reduction Bank of China in the first quarter of 2010: invested 20 million euros, with double-digit annual growth. In 2009, the Agricultural Bank of China rejected 83 credit applications for environmental protection projects, but supported 1803 emission reduction projects. By 2009, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China had provided a total of 44.6 billion euros in loans for energy conservation and emission reduction projects. By the end of 2008, China Construction Bank had invested 17 billion euros. In 2009, Bank of Communications provided 6.4 billion euros in loans for energy conservation and environmental protection projects.

In October 2008, Industrial Bank committed to abide by the Equator Principles, and became the first bank in China to commit to abide by the principles. In 2009, China Development Bank provided 15.5 billion euros in loans for energy conservation and environmental protection projects. China is investing heavily in renewable energy: just look at the vast array of wind farms the Chinese are building, as many communities and cities aspire to, with the goal of "zero emissions." Aware of its own strength, just as it is also aware of its backwardness and weakness, aware of the challenges of urbanization and the importance of protecting the environment, China is starting its own energy transformation.The transition from thermal power plants to wind power generation has significantly reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

Is China the future world champion of renewable energy?It is at the forefront of the world in both thermal power and hydropower.Based on a large amount of meteorological data and national general regulations, wind power generation will be able to meet China's electricity demand by 2030. China can respond quickly in the economic field, but in other fields such as sustainable development, China is still outstanding.If China is given enough time to consider, once a decision is made, the determination of the Chinese is unshakable.China is expected to achieve the goal of reaching 15% of renewable energy by 2020 and 30% by 2050.

The Chinese know that they should move on to get a better quality of life than today: fighting poverty, getting better educational opportunities, healthcare, etc.That's a laudably large bet!At the same time, China's awareness of "secondary carbon intensity" is also particularly real.