vigor Needs for China - The Dragon Needs To Slay Its Dependence on Coal

China has energy production problems. What is worse is that China's energy problems are becoming problems for the rest of the world.

Here is an incident that perfectly exemplifies why China must enhance its energy generation capabilities, and in particular, to build alternative energy sources that are not dependent on coal. In August 2010 there was a nine day traffic jam on a highway in the middle of Inner Mongolia and Beijing. Nine Days! Why? Because trucks carrying coal to Beijing's power plants blocked a road that was already somewhat restricted in traffic capacity due to road work. Unfortunately, without all that coal, Beijing would not be able to keep the lights on. Coal is currently used to yield currently about 70% of China's electricity needs, and unfortunately that ration is likely to increase in the future, not decrease. China is commissioning a new coal-fired power plant every week.

News From Mongolia

The pollution caused by China's coal-based energy production is considerable, and the greenhouse gas emissions from China alone are on pace to swamp those of the rest of the world. While Europe and the United States are reducing energy production from coal and fossil fuels by developing alternative energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and even nuclear power. China is taking relatively few steps in that direction.

Implementing carbon capture and storehouse technology (Ccs technology) can potentially address the pollution and carbon emission burden that China is imposing on the rest of the world, with its heavy trust on coal. The qoute is that so far China is reluctant to invest in developing that clarification because it will increase the cost of coal-based energy. Implementing Ccs technology appears to be dependent on efforts underway in the United States and Europe.

To be sure, China is taking some steps to address its energy problem. Oil shale resources are being industrialized aggressively to relax China's dependence on imported oil. Oil shale could potentially offset some of the needs for coal as well. Superior clean technology solutions are also being pursued. Biofuels are being industrialized as transfer alternatives for petroleum-based transportation fuel. The world's largest enzyme producer Novozymes has teamed up with Sinopec, the Chinese oil refiner, to build a large cellulosic ethanol plant that will use enzymes industrialized and artificial by Novozymes. The large-scale adoption of biofuels could replace 10% of China's petroleum needs and sacrifice water consumption as well. China is also working on the build of solar panels, although they are largely for export. Investigate on improved battery technology is also on the increase.

China recognizes its needs for alternative energy sources. But, being the world's fastest growing economy, China also needs to assume a greater accountability for weaning itself from fossil fuels. Developing and implementing more clean technology solutions to replace coal would be a step in the right direction.

vigor Needs for China - The Dragon Needs To Slay Its Dependence on Coal

Related : todays world news headlines