Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.1
General Assessment on Energy Development
and Emissions Reductions During 11th FYP Period
During the 11th Five Year Plan (2006-2010) China witnessed rapid development in
the energy sector. While its energy supply capacity reached historic levels, the
nation made significant progress in energy-savings, pollutant emissions reductions
and realized steady improvement of energy technologies.
Global energy cooperation with the PRC has entered a new stage of boosting
domestic energy supply, as well as new opportunities and development for other
countries.
2.1.1 Enhanced Energy Supply Capacity
Energy security remains high on the central government agenda to ensure sustained
social and economic development.
To reduce energy import dependency and maintain stability of the international
energy market, Beijing has adopted measures to encourage the exploitation of
domestic energy resources, especially increased usage of natural gas and renewable
energies to combat climate change.
Total energy production has risen from 2.16 billion ton of coal equivalent (tce) in
2005 to 2.97 billion tce in 2010 (see Fig.
2.1
), which has made the country the
largest energy producer in the world since 2008.
Consequently, the self-sufficiency rate of energy supply has remained at about
90 % since 2000, which implies a majority of its energy supply comes from
domestic sources.
According to energy statistical institutions, China holds the lowest energy
dependency among the world's large economies (see Table
2.1
), although its
dependency rate for petroleum has risen in recent years.
2.1.2 Optimized Energy Structure
Another effective approach to fight climate change would be to develop low-carbon
or carbon-free energy. Policies and actions have been adopted to promote efficient
and clean energy development.
Significant progress has been made in adjusting the energy mix and developing
clean or renewable energies such as hydropower, nuclear power, wind and other
modes.
Since China entered into the stage of rapid industrialization and urbanization,
energy demand has risen dramatically. To meet booming demand for energy, coal
still plays a dominant role from the viewpoint of domestic resources.
Coal can meet short-term demands: Coal production has increased from 2,350
Mt in 2005 to 3,235 Mt in 2010 (see Fig.
2.2
), the share of coal is above 76 % in the
primary energy production structure (see Table
2.2
).
