CHINA BUYING IN BIG ON NEW ENERGY

Many claim China’s commitment to cleaning up its pollution is only due to the fast-approaching 2008 summer Olympics, which Beijing is hosting. This article suggests it is the government’s fear of internal dissension and international resentments. Whatever the reason, the Chinese deserve credit for facing their problems and looking for solutions that will expand economic growth.

China to spend $925 million on clean energy
August 27, 2007 (Reuters via Environmental News Network)

WHO
Ma Kai, head of energy policy, China’s National Development and Reform Commission;

WHAT
China will spend 7 billion yuan ($925 million) on energy-efficiency measures. ($1=7.567 Yuan)

China needs to find ways to bring its energy production in line with its consumption. 3 obvious answers: Efficiency, efficiency and efficiency. (click to enlarge)

WHEN
- 2007-08: China is expected to become the world leader in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions either this year or next.
- Money to be allocated by the end of 2007.
- China’s metric for progress is “energy intensity”: the ratio of energy consumed to national income. Energy intensity fell 2.78% in the 1st half of 2007, better than the improvement in 2006, but this rate will not get China to its goal of 4% improvement by 2010.

WHERE
- In addition to the announced 7 billion yuan, an additional 2.5 billion yuan ($330.4 million) will be spent on developing biogas from human and animal waste in rural China to cut the burning of coal and wood.

China could also build more coal plants but that wouldn't solve this problem. (click to enlarge)

WHY
- The money will be spent on 10 efficiency measures including 50 million new lightbulbs, widespread boiler alterations, control of heat produced in power generation and oil substitutes.
- The program confronts severe pollution problems caused by rapid Chinese industrial expansion. The air and water pollution is leading to health problems in China and contributing to worldwide climate change. Chinese leaders fear this could cause internal rebellion and/or international conflict.
- China improved its energy efficiency in coal, chemical, steel, textile and power sectors in the 1st half of 2007 but lost ground in petrochemical and non-ferrous metals industries.

QUOTES
Ma Kai: "We are facing a very vital situation to cut energy use…"