V-8 Question: It is reported that China is actively developing renewable energy and alternative energy sources, in light of the tightening global energy market. How have China's efforts worked out? What is China's goal?
A: To fuel China's sustained economic growth, the government has been committed to the development of renewable energy. Now, electricity from hydropower and solar-powered water heaters are widely used across the country. In the rural area, methane is widely used. Biofuels, wind power and solar power are also increasingly used in electricity generating. Renewable energy grows at an annual rate of over 25 percent. So far, hydropower electricity generating capacity has reached 120 million kilowatts (kw), accounting for one fourth of the total electricity generating capacity of the nation; solar-powered water heater has a total area of 65 million square meters; annual methane consumption has totaled 5 billion cubic meters, improving the living standard of 140 million rural households. Solar power has generated 65,000 kw of electricity, serving more than 700 towns, which have 3 million residents.
China has become the second largest energy producer and consumer. As the economy grows and people's living standard rises, China's energy needs will continue to grow. According to the plan of the Chinese Government, by 2020, renewable energy will account for 16 percent of total energy production. The electricity generating capacity for hydropower will reach 300 million kw, wind power 30 million kw, biofuels 30 million kw and solar power 1.8 million kw. Solar-powered water heaters will cover a total area of 300 million square meters. The annual consumption of methane will total 44.3 billion cubic meters, while the annual production of ethanol will be 10 million tons, and the annual yield of biodiesel will reach 2 million tons. To reach this goal, China promulgated the Renewable Energy Law on January 1, 2006. The implementation of this law will bring about a bright future for the development of renewable resources.
(China.org.cn)