The energy situation and its sustainable development strategy in China

The paper briefly summarizes China’s energy situation and sustainable development strategy as they were by 2009. The energy consumption in 2009 is reported to be 3.1 billion tons standard coal equivalent, 1/7 of the world total, 6.3% higher than in the year 2008, and its share of world CO2 emissions increased rapidly to 20.3% in 2006. These trends are most likely to continue with China’s plan to accomplish its social and economy development goals. To address these problems and also respond to increasing world pressure for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the Chinese government plans and has legislated promotion of energy conservation, efficiency, renewable energy technologies and use, and reduction of energy-related environmental impacts to reduce energy intensity by 20% during the 2006–2010 period, and to reduce the CO2 emission/GDP ratio by 40–45% by 2020 relative to 2005. China is facing severe energy-related challenges that conflict resources shortages with the planned rapid economic development, energy use with the related environmental pollution, and new technology with the old production/consumption patterns. It is recognized that energy development must, however, follow a sustainable path to coordinate economy growth, social development, and environmental protection.

► A brief summary of China’s energy situation and plans in 2009;
► Energy consumption and CO2 emissions are likely to continue rising;
► China to reduce energy intensity, and the (CO2 emission)/GDP ratio by 40–45% by 2020;
► Energy-related challenges and desired sustainable development strategy are discussed;
► The strategy core is energy conservation and non-fossil fuel energy development.