Energy Efficiency in China: Glorious History, Uncertain Future

China's rapid economic growth of 10% per year has been accompanied by an annual energy growth rate of greater than 10% from 2001-2005. This in turn has led to the construction of 1 to 2 GWe of electrical generating capacity per week over the period, with the vast majority of the power plants us...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Levine, Mark D
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
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Summary:China's rapid economic growth of 10% per year has been accompanied by an annual energy growth rate of greater than 10% from 2001-2005. This in turn has led to the construction of 1 to 2 GWe of electrical generating capacity per week over the period, with the vast majority of the power plants using coal. Because of the energy growth, China has equaled the carbon consumption rate of United States at 6 billion tonnes/year in 2006, far sooner than was expected. This paper discusses the periods of energy growth and efficiency policy in China. This includes 'Soviet Style' Energy Policy (1949-1980); Deng's Initial Reforms (1981-1992); Transition Period (1993 to 2001); Energy Crisis in China: 2001 to 2006, a repeat of much earlier 'inglorious history; and the present efforts to return to an earlier period (Deng's Initial Reforms) in which energy growth may be more sustainable. Recommendations are given for policies to promote energy efficiency.
ISSN:0094-243X
DOI:10.1063/1.2993717