Introduction
China has made significant improvement in energy efficiency over recent years and it has made great progress in creating a green economy. It has set a goal to reduce energy intensity, or energy consumed to a unit of GDP, by 16 percent. The Chinese government’s target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40-45 percent in 2020, as set in the 13th Five-Year Plan, is one of the most ambitious climate change commitments of an economy of that size. China is leading the way on global climate change by making its green development goals and commitment public.
China’s rigorous approach to energy conservation and emissions reduction at a national level is critical in achieving its greenhouse gas reduction targets. It has implemented a wide range of instruments such as energy-saving regulations, energy efficiency ratios and energy audit requirements. China also creates incentives for companies to adopt innovations to reduce CO2 emissions through renewable energy sources and Finance Programmes.
Energy Efficiency and Capacity Building
Energy Efficiency is a key component of China’s energy conservation efforts. Energy Efficiency refers to the use of technologies and improved operating practices to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. This can be achieved by increasing efficiency of the production of goods and services, reducing energy waste and increasing the ability to use energy in a more cost effective way.
Investment in capacity building is extremely important if China is to successfully use available and emerging technologies to reduce its emissions. Capacity building involves developing human and institutional capacity, as well as supporting the technology and related industries necessary to promote the efficient use of energy.
Fossil Fuel Usage and Green Energy
Fossil fuel usage, or the use of coal, oil, natural gas and other combustible fuels, is the largest single source of China’s energy supply. However, the Chinese government has increasingly sought to reduce fossil fuel usage. As such, it has joined an global energy transition towards more renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, hydro-electric power and biomass energy.
It has invested heavily in renewable energy sources, reaching a total installation of 1,020 gigawatts by the end of 2017. China is now the biggest installer of solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy and hydroelectric power in the world. By 2020, China aims to generate 15 percent of its energy from renewables.
In addition, the Chinese government has implemented a number of other measures to reduce emissions, such as discouraging part-time boiler use and promoting natural gas-fired district heating and cooling.
Conclusion
China has made great strides in the reduction of energy use through improved energy efficiency and the adoption of green energy solutions. As the Chinese government continues its commitment to reduce emissions, it should continue to invest in capacity building and support the development of renewable energy technologies. These measures will help China transition to a low carbon society and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
