Wind Energy In China
China’s Energy Consumption  |  Wind Energy in China   |  Alternative Energy in China

Alternative Energy in China

Solving China's pollution problems, while meeting its energy needs, will be difficult and the solution is expected to include a mix of power-generation technologies, including biomass, solar and hydroelectricity. 

One reason China is looking to wind is because it is now as cheap as coal, and if the health costs associated with coal burning are considered, wind is actually significantly less expensive.  Traditional coal supplies 65% to 70% of China’s energy needs but is responsible for a number of its energy-related environmental problems.  According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, seven of the world's ten most polluted cities are in China and almost two thirds of the country's largest cities fail to meet the organization's air quality standards. With its use of unwashed coal, China is the planet's largest emitter of sulphur dioxide and acid rain plagues about a quarter of the countryside. The World Bank estimates that pollution is costing the country 8% to 12% of its $1.4 trillion GDP in direct losses.

Beyond wind power, the Chinese government has sponsored research into the development of fuel cells, tidal power station technologies, and biofuels. The country, which already has the world's largest biofuels plant, is working with European agencies to see how plant matter and animal waste-based fuels might serve as alternatives to fossil fuels.  Although China has little interest in nuclear power because of its high cost and security concerns, more nuclear plants are expected to be built.

China is also turning the current problem into an opportunity. By using its low-cost manufacturing ability, it will soon be a major supplier of power-generation equipment.

Source:  Entergy Information Administration; International Energy Agency; World Resources Institute