Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The theoretical amount of tidal power reserves could reach 110 million
kilowatts. In coastal areas, especially in the southeast, energy density is high. An
average range is 4-5 m [
24
].
The maximum tidal range is 7-8 m. Zhejiang and Fujian provinces hold the
largest reserves, accounting for about 80.9 % of the national total.
China has built the most tidal power stations in the world. For decades it has
constructed scores and now eight of them are operating and generating electricity
with a total installed capacity of 6,120 kW and annual generating capacity of more
than 10 million kilowatt-hours, which makes it only second to France and Canada [
9
].
The main difficulty of developing the tidal power generation industry would be
the costs. Due to tough competition from coal power stations, tidal power stations
have been built just for business purposes.
Meanwhile, preferential measures and incentives are lacking. Tidal power
should be regarded as a complement to conventional energy and deserving of
stronger government support.
The current deed of equalizing the utilization of tidal power to conventional
development of some small power plants weakens the enthusiasm for large-scale
development.
Geothermal resources, tidal power, solar energy and wind energy are collec-
tively known as the “four renewable resources.” With China's social and economic
development, people's awareness of environmental and health has been enhanced.
Public demand to improve the energy structure and developing clean energy is
growing.
5.4
Concluding Remarks
China's economic development has spurred rapid growth of energy consumption in
recent years. Greenhouse gas emissions have increased correspondingly. Per capita
carbon emission has exceeded global averages.
China is facing greater pressure to reduce pollution. Green and low carbon
development should be undertaken to cope with climate change and realize sus-
tainable development.
China has already fulfilled the goal of reducing energy consumption per unit of
GDP by 20 % for the 'Eleventh Five Year Plan'. It has on some level developed
renewable and new energy as well.
China should continue to infuse the concept of low carbon development to
enhance energy efficiency, optimization of the energy structure and upgrade the
industrial structure.
Acknowledgments The author would like to thank colleagues from the center for Energy and
Environmental Policy Research for their valuable suggestions and comments.
