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Energy policy of China

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This article is about the PRC's general policies on use, production, and distribution of energy. For the PRC's attempts to secure energy and resources, see Energy security of China.

The energy policy in China is the decisions taken by the People's Republic of China with regard to energy and energy resources. The country is currently the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases according to a Dutch research agency.[1][2][3] However, China's per capita emissions are still far behind developed countries. In addition, China is also the world's leading renewable energy producer.[4]

Environment and carbon emissions

Main articles: Global warming and Environment of China
Countries by carbon dioxide emissions (blue the highest)
CO2 emission per capita per year per country


On June 19, 2007, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency announced that a preliminary study had indicated that China's greenhouse gas emissions for 2006 had exceeded those of the United States for the first time. The agency calculated that China’s CO2 emissions from fossil fuels increased by 9% in 2006, while those of the United States fell by 1.4%, compared to 2005.[5] The study used energy and cement production data from British Petroleum which they believed to be 'reasonably accurate', while warning that statistics for rapidly changing economies such as China are less reliable than data on OECD countries.[6]

The Initial National Communication on Climate Change of the People's Republic of China calculated that carbon dioxide emissions in 2004 had risen to approximately 5.05 billion metric tons, with total greenhouse gas emissions reaching about 6.1 billion metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent.[7]

In 2002, China ranked 2nd (after the United States) in the list of countries by carbon dioxide emissions, with emissions of 3.3 billion metric tons, representing 14.5% of the world total.[8] However, due to its huge population size (the largest in the world), it only ranked 99 in the list of countries by carbon dioxide emissions per capita, with emissions of 3.2 metric tons per person (compared to 19.8 metric tons per person in the United States).[9] In addition, it has been estimated that around a third of China's carbon emissions in 2005 were due to manufacturing exported goods.[10]

Energy use and carbon emissions by sector

In the industrial sector, six industries — electricity generation, steel, non-ferrous metals, construction materials, oil processing and chemicals — account for nearly 70% of energy use.[11]

In the construction materials sector, China produced about 44% of the world's cement in 2006.[6] Cement production produces more carbon emissions than any other industrial process, accounting for around 4% of global carbon emissions.[6]

National Action Plan on Climate Change

Although China has been taking action on climate change for some years, with the publication on 4 June 2007 of China's first National Action Plan on Climate Change, China became the first developing country to publish a national strategy addressing global warming.[12] The plan does not include targets for carbon dioxide emission reductions, but it has been estimated that, if fully implemented, China's annual emissions of greenhouse gases would be reduced by 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2010.[12] Other commentators, however, put the figure at 0.950 billion metric tons.[13]

Publication was officially announced during a meeting of the State Council, which called on governments and all sectors of the economy to implement the plan, and for the launch of a public environmental protection awareness campaign.[14]

The National Action Plan includes increasing the proportion of electricity generation from renewable energy sources and from nuclear power, increasing the efficiency of coal-fired power stations,[15] the use of cogeneration, and the development of coal-bed and coal-mine methane.[13]

In addition, the one child policy in China has successfully slowed down the population increase, preventing 300 million births, the equivalent of 1.3 billion tons of CO2 emissions based on average world per capita emissions of 4.2 tons at 2005 level.[16]

Electricity generation

File:Electricity production in China.PNG
Electricity production in China by source.
Three Gorges Dam
See also: Electric power industry in China

In 2009, China's total annual electricity output was 3.71465 trillion kWh,[17] and the annual consumption was 3.6430 trillion kWh (second largest in the world).[18] In the same year, the total installed electricity generating capacity was 874 GW.[19] China is undertaking substantial long distance transmission projects with record breaking capacities, and has the goal of achieving an integrated nationwide grid in the period between 2015 and 2020.[20]

Coal

Main article: Coal power in China

China currently generates around two thirds of its electricity from coal-fired power stations.[15] It is progressing with the construction of 562 new coal-fired plants over the next few years.[21] In June 2007, it was reported that an average of two new plants were being opened every week.[22]

Renewables

Main article: Renewable energy in China

China is the world's leading renewable energy producer, with an installed capacity of 152 GW.[4] China has been investing heavily in the renewable energy field in recent years. In 2007, the total renewable energy investment is $12 billion USD, second only to Germany, and expected to be first by 2009.[23] China is also the largest producer of wind turbines and solar panels.[24] Approximately 7% of China's energy was from renewable sources in 2006, a figure targeted to rise to 10% by 2010 and to 16% by 2020.[13] The major renewable energy source in China is hydropower. Total hydro-electric output in China in 2009 was 615.64 billion kWh, constituting 16.6% of all electricity generated. The country already has the most hydro-electric capacity in the world, and the Three Gorges Dam is projected to be the largest hydro-electric power station in the world, with a total capacity of 22.5 GW. It is expected to be fully operational by 2011.

Nuclear power

Main article: Nuclear power in China

In 2006, China had 9 nuclear power units with a total electric capacity of 6.99 GW and total output of 54.8 billion kWh, accounting for 1.9% country's total electricity output. There are plans to increase nuclear power capacity and nuclear power percentage, bringing the total electricity output to 70 GW and 4% respectively by 2020.[25] Plans are to increase this to 160 GW (16%) by 2030.

Rural electrification

Following the completion of the similar Township Electrification Program in 2005, the Village Electrification Program plans to provide renewable electricity to 3.5 million households in 10,000 villages by 2010. This is to be followed by full rural electrification using renewable energy by 2015.[26]

Fossil fuels

Coal

China is the world's top coal producer and ranks third in the amounts of coal reserve. It is approximately self-sufficient in coal, with a production of 2.38 billion ton and a consumption of 2.37 billion ton in 2006.[27] China used to be a major coal exporter, but its export is decreasing and it may soon become a net importer.

Oil

Although China is still a major crude oil producer, it became an oil importer in the 1990s. In 2002, annual crude petroleum production was 1,298,000,000 barrels, and annual crude petroleum consumption was 1,670,000,000 barrels. In 2006, it imported 145 million tons of crude oil, accounting for 47% of its total oil consumption.[28][29] Three state-owned oil companies - Sinopec, CNPC, and CNOOC - dominate its domestic market.

China announced on 20 June 2008 plans to raise petrol, diesel and aviation kerosene prices. This decision appeared to reflect a need to reduce the unsustainably high level of subsidies these fuels attract, given the global trend in the price of oil.[30]

Renewable energy sources

Main article: Renewable energy in China

Although a majority of the renewable energy in China is from hydropower, other renewable energy sources are in rapid development. In 2006, a total of 10 billion US dollars had been invested in renewable energy, second only to Germany.[31]

Biofuels

Main article: Biofuel

In 2006, 16 million tons of corn have been used to produce ethanol.[32] However, because food prices in China rose sharply during 2007, China has decided to ban the further expansion of the corn ethanol industry.

Jatropha curcas is to be grown for biofuel production

On February 7, a spokesman for the State Forestry Administration announced that 130,000 square kilometres (50,000 square miles) would be devoted to biofuel production. Under an agreement reached with PetroChina in January 2007, 400 square kilometres of Jatropha curcas is to be grown for biodiesel production. Local governments are also developing oilseed projects. There are concerns that such developments may lead to serious environmental damage.[33]

Solar power

Main article: Solar power in China

China has become the world largest consumer of solar energy.[34] It is the largest producer of solar water heaters, accounting for 60 percent of the world’s solar hot water heating capacity, and the total installed heaters is estimated at 30 million households.[35] Solar PV production in China is also in rapid development. In 2007, 0.82 GW of Solar PV was produced, second only to Japan.[4]

As part of the stimulus plan of "Golden Sun", announced by the government in 2009, several developments and projects became part of the milestones for the development of solar technology in China. These include the agreement signed by LDK for a 500MW solar project, a new thin film solar plant developed by Anwell Technologies in Henan province using its own proprietary solar technology and the solar power plant project in a desert, haed by First Solar and Ordos City. The effort to drive the renewable energy use in China was further assured after the speech by the Chinese President, given at the UN climate summit on 22 Sept 2009 in New York, pledging that China will plan to have 15% of its energy from renewable sources within a decade. China is using solar power in houses, buildings, and cars.[36][37][38]

Wind power

Main article: Wind power in China

China's total wind power capacity is at 2.67 gigawatts (GW) in 2006. The Chinese government had planned 5 GW of wind generation capacity by 2010, and 30 GW capacity by 2020.[39] But the 5 GW goal was met as early as in 2007. By the end of 2007, China's 202 wind projects had a total capacity of 6.05 GW, with an annual growth rate of 95%.[40][41] The 2010 goal was then revised to 10 GW and 2020 goal to 100 GW.[42] However, by 2008, the wind power capacity in China already reached 12.2 GW, ranking 4th in the world after the U.S., Germany, and Spain.[43] Experts estimated that China's wind capacity may reach the 20 GW landmark by 2010,[44] which has been called the "Wind Three Gorges". By the end of 2009, China's wind capacity had passed 25 GW.[45]

Energy conservation

General Work Plan for Energy Conservation

The General Work Plan for Energy Conservation and Pollutant Discharge Reduction aims to cut energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product (energy intensity) by 20% over the course of the 11th five-year plan which ends in 2010, as well as cutting the discharge of major pollutants by 10%. The plan was issued in 2007 after the 4% reduction in energy intensity targeted for 2006 was missed, and all companies and local and national government were asked to submit detailed plans for compliance before June 30, 2007.[46] In 2006, the reduction achieved was 1.23%.[47]

Implementation will involve a variety of measures, including increased use of renewable energy, revised pricing for primary energy sources and electricity, export restrictions on energy intensive and highly polluting products, and tax incentives for pollution-reduction projects. Central and local government will switch to low-energy lighting, and will be compelled to purchase only the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly electrical products.[47]

Officials have been warned that violating energy conservation and environmental protection laws will lead to criminal proceedings, while failure to achieve targets will be taken into account in the performance assessment of officials and business leaders.[11]

Space heating and air conditioning

A State Council circular issued on June 3, 2007, restricts the temperature of air conditioning in public buildings to no lower than 26oC in summer (78.8oF), and no higher than 20oC (68oF) in winter. The sale of inefficient air conditioning units has also been outlawed.[48]

Public opinion

The Chinese results from the 1st Annual World Environment Review, published on June 5, 2007 revealed that, in a sample of 1024 people (50% male):[49]

  • 88% are concerned about climate change.
  • 97% think their Government should do more to tackle global warming.
  • 63% think that China is too dependent on fossil fuels.
  • 56% think that China is too reliant on foreign oil.
  • 91% think that a minimum 25% of electricity should be generated from renewable energy sources.
  • 61% are concerned about nuclear power.
  • 79% are concerned about carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries.
  • 62% think it appropriate for developed countries to demand restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries.

Another survey published in August 2007 by China Youth Daily and the British Council sampled 2,500 Chinese people with an average age of 30.1. It showed that 80% of young Chinese are concerned about global warming.[50]

See also

References

  1. ^ Catherine Brahic (April 25, 2007). "China's emissions may surpass the US in 2007". New Scientist. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  2. ^ Saeed Shah (November 8, 2006). "China to pass US greenhouse gas levels by 2010". The Independent. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  3. ^ "China fears disasters, grain cut from global warming". Reuters AlertNet. December 27, 2006. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  4. ^ a b c China 'leads the world' in renewable energy
  5. ^ China now no. 1 in CO2 emissions; USA in second position, NEAA, published 2007-06-19, accessed 2007-07-20
  6. ^ a b c China now no. 1 in CO2 emissions; USA in second position: more info, NEAA, published 2007-06-19, accessed 2007-07-20
  7. ^ current greenhouse gas emissions in China, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-04, accessed 2007-06-04
  8. ^ Data source Dioxyde de carbone (CO2), émissions en mille tonnes de CO2 (CDIAC), United Nations, accessed 2005-04-09
  9. ^ United Nations Millennium Development Goals Indicators, United Nations, accessed 2006-08-02
  10. ^ 33% of China's Carbon Footprint Blamed on Exports published 2008-07-29, accessed 2008-07-29
  11. ^ a b China says energy efficiency key to performance of government & company leaders, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-03, accessed 2007-06-04
  12. ^ a b China issues first national plan to address climate change, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-04, accessed 2007-06-04
  13. ^ a b c China to Cut Greenhouse Emissions by 950 Million Tons Bloomberg.com, published 2007-06-02, accessed 2007-06-04
  14. ^ National Action Plan on Climate Change, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-02, accessed 2007-06-04
  15. ^ a b China unveils climate change plan, BBC, published 2007-06-04, accessed 2007-06-04
  16. ^ China says one-child policy helps protect climate, published 2007-08-30 accessed 2007-08-30
  17. ^ [http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjgb/ndtjgb/qgndtjgb/t20100225_402622945.htm China Bureau of Statistics 2009年国民经济和社会发展统计公报 ]
  18. ^ China's National Development and Reform Commission: 2009年全社会用电量稳定增长 清洁能源快速发展
  19. ^ China installed capacity hits 710 GW in 2007
  20. ^ Xiaoxin Zhou of Electric Power Research Institute,China (2001-06-27). "Power System Development and Nationwide Grid Interconnection in China" (PDF). Workshop on Power Grid Interconnection in Northeast Asia, Beijing, China, May 14–16, 2001. Nautilus Institute: 42. Retrieved 2008-12-18. [dead link‍]
  21. ^ Mark Clayton (December 23, 2004). "New coal plants bury 'Kyoto'". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  22. ^ China building more power plants, BBC, published 2007-06-19, accessed 2007-06-20
  23. ^ China's 'rapid renewables surge'
  24. ^ Bradsher, Keith, Jan 30, 2010, China leads global race to make clean energy, New York Times
  25. ^ China's nuclear plants generate 54.8 TWh of electricity in 2006, published 2007-04-23, accessed 2007-06-22
  26. ^ Renewables Global Status Report 2006 Update, REN21, published 2006, accessed 2007-05-16
  27. ^ China's coal imports hit new high
  28. ^ China's oil imports set new record
  29. ^ China's 2006 crude oil imports 145 mln tons, up 14.5 pct - customs
  30. ^ Rise in global oil price dents China's petrol subsidy policy
  31. ^ China poised to lead renewables race
  32. ^ China corn for ethanol 16 m tons in 2006, published 2007-04-09, accessed 2007-08-27
  33. ^ Chinese Biofuels Expansion Threatens Ecological Disaster, Worldwatch Institute, published 2007-03-13, accessed 2007-06-28
  34. ^ Energy: China becomes the world's largest solar power market published 2007-08-27, accessed 2007-08-27
  35. ^ Kunming Heats Up as China’s “Solar City” published 2007-06-15, accessed 2007-08-27
  36. ^ "LDK to develop 500 MW of PV power in China". PennWell. 1 Sept 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ "Anwell Produces its First and Thin Film Solar Panel". Solarbuzz. September 7, 2009.
  38. ^ "First Solar to Team With Ordos City on Major Solar Power Plant in China Desert". First Solar. 8 Sept 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ Wind power blows through China published 2007-02-26, accessed 2007-08-27
  40. ^ China posts 95% growth in wind power generation
  41. ^ Energy in China: 'We call it the Three Gorges of the sky.'
  42. ^ China triples wind power capacity goal: report
  43. ^ U.S., China Lead Global Wind Installation published 2009-02-03, accessed 2009-02-03
  44. ^ U.S., China lead way in tapping wind power
  45. ^ [1]
  46. ^ Chinese government urges efforts for energy saving, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-03, accessed 2007-06-04
  47. ^ a b China to stick to strict environment-protection plans, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-03, accessed 2007-06-04
  48. ^ State Council: no lower than 26 degrees in air-conditioned rooms, Xinhua News Agency, published 2007-06-03, accessed 2007-06-04
  49. ^ First Annual World Environment Review Poll Reveals Countries Want Governments to Take Strong Action on Climate Change, Global Market Insite, published 2007-06-05, accessed 2007-05-09
  50. ^ China's young favor sustainable consumption, but want cars first published 08-20-2007, accessed 08-28-07
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