Abstract

China’s rapid economic expansion raises questions internally and externally about how it will acquire the energy it needs to sustain growth. Currently it is the largest producer and consumer of coal; how much will it continue to rely on its abundant natural resource in the face of increasing environmental concerns? Will it embrace new clean coal technologies developed by others or invest in its own? Currently it imports 50% of the oil it consumes; will it invest in technologies that scrub the ocean floor for petroleum deposits? Will it develop new distribution technologies to bring its natural gas reserves closer to population centers? What role will conservation play? And how will China relate to the rest of the international community as it addresses these critical issues.

Research on Energy Issues In China presents one prominent insider’s view of China’s key energy issues and his strategy for addressing them. A collection of papers authored by Jiang Zemin, former president of the People’s Republic of China, it appears here in English for the first time. Jiang’s message is an exhortation to the Chinese to invest in science and technology, and research and development, to ensure the steady supply of energy so crucial for sustaining and driving development. He outlines this energy strategy for China: "we need to steadfastly conserve energy, use it efficiently, diversify development, keep the environment clean, be technology driven and cooperate internationally in order to establish a system of energy production, distribution and consumption that is highly efficient, uses advanced technology, produces few pollutant, has minimal impact on the ecosystem, and provides a steady and secure energy supply."

Within ten to twenty years, China may well be the world’s largest energy consumption and supply system. This volume offers policy makers, energy industry analysts, researchers, and investors an inside view of how it plans to get there.

• Compares China’s current energy situation with the developed world
• Details specific challenges and opportunities in China with respect to coal, oil, nuclear, natural gas, solar, biomass, hydrogen, geothermal, wind, and ocean
• Presents an eight point energy development policy
• Provides a guide to China’s future investment in research and development

Reviews of the original Chinese edition

The publication of Reflection on China's Energy Issues has had a strong repercussion among the students and researchers of our university. It gives a profound and comprehensive analysis of the energy challenges we face today. Mr Jiang is both erudite and sharp at the latest trends of global development. He sets forth the direction of China's energy strategy - "a new energy development path with Chinese characteristics", in which China will strive to build a high-tech oriented energy-efficient society with low emission and environmental impact, as well as a secure energy system. The essay will surely have a long last impact on China's energy-related policy making.

Prof Huang Zhen

Director of the Institute of Energy Research, Shanghai Jiaotong University

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Jiang's analysis highlights the necessity and importance of developing large scale nuclear power in China. According to him, "new energy sources must have a low carbon or non-carbon profile, and nuclear power is a key point in the overall energy strategy. In the long term, it is set to become an important energy source in China, probably on the scale of trillion kWs." He also stresses nuclear safety, technology innovation, recycling and attracting talents, all of which are indispensable in the development of nuclear power in China.

Prof Zheng Jianchao

Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering

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Reflection on China's Energy Issues is more than just an academic paper. It is a survey with grand historical and global vision, on a topic of enormous influence on today's world and our sustainable development in the future. As he puts it, "resource-saving should become a fundamental national policy." His elaboration on Energy-saving, high-efficiency, plural development, advanced technology, environmental-friendly and international cooperation will serve as an important guidance for China's energy strategy and planning.

Mr Zhang Baoguo

Bureau Chief, National Bureau of Energy