Chinese Energy Resources
China is endowed with abundant energy resources. The country has the world’s largest hydroelectric potential and the world’s second-largest coal reserves. In addition, China is home to increasing renewable energy resources, especially solar and wind power. With careful planning and an ongoing commitment towards clean energy, China’s energy resources can be sustained and serve the country’s energy goals far into the future.
China’s hydroelectric resources are its largest source of renewable energy. The country is home to 55% of the world’s hydroelectric installed capacity, the majority of which is situated along its major river systems. Hydroelectric power plants provide 12% of China’s total electricity generation and are an important form of renewable energy. Although hydroelectric energy is usually available only during certain times of the year, it offers a number of advantages over other energy sources. These include providing energy without the need for any fuel, low maintenance costs, and in some cases zero air pollution. Moreover, given the surplus of water resources within the country’s borders, China is able to produce a larger percentage of hydroelectric power than many other countries.
China also relies heavily on its coal reserves to meet the country’s energy needs. According to data from the International Energy Agency, China currently boasts the world’s second-largest coal reserves and is the largest producer and consumer of coal. It accounts for about half of global coal production and approximately 62% of global coal consumption. Despite its immense reserves, coal is a finite resource and its extraction and usage come with a variety of environmental burdens, including air and water pollution. Therefore, the Chinese government is working to shift the country’s energy mix away from coal-based electricity generation and towards more sustainable resources.
In addition to its traditional energy sources, China is investing heavily in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Since the Chinese government established its renewable energy targets in 2005, investment in solar and wind power has seen a dramatic increase. According to 2019 data from the International Energy Agency, China was the leader in solar and wind energy capacity with nearly double the capacity of the United States and more than double the capacity of the European Union. In addition to traditional and renewable energy sources, China is experimenting with new sources of energy such as nuclear power and tidal and wave power.
China has an abundant supply of energy resources, but careful planning is needed to ensure that these resources are managed and used efficiently and sustainably. China is leading the way in achieving its energy goals through investments in clean energy, and it is likely that the country’s energy mix will become increasingly diversified over the coming years. With a growing focus on renewable energy, China is well positioned to maintain its status as one of the world’s largest energy producers and consumers and take the lead in reducing its carbon footprint.
