ARKANSAS, Sept 15 (Future Headlines)- China, the world’s largest energy consumer, is taking bold steps to adopt cleaner sources of power for heating and electricity generation. At a recent conference, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing announced China’s commitment to actively expanding the use of geothermal energy, alongside the scaling up of wind and solar power projects and the safe advancement of nuclear power plant construction. These developments reflect China’s determination to reduce its carbon footprint and transition toward a more sustainable energy future.

One of the key highlights of China’s clean energy strategy is the significant expansion of geothermal energy. Sinopec, a major state-owned refiner, has ambitious plans to increase its geothermal heating area substantially. Ma Yongsheng, the Chairman of Sinopec, announced the company’s target of adding 75 million square meters of geothermal heating area, aiming to reach an impressive 160 million square meters by the end of 2025. This move demonstrates China’s commitment to harnessing the Earth’s natural heat for clean and sustainable heating solutions. Sinopec has already made significant strides in geothermal energy development. Over the past 11 years, the company has accumulated a geothermal capacity exceeding 85 million square meters. This substantial experience positions them as a leading player in China’s growing geothermal sector.

  • Northern China’s clean air revolution

The adoption of clean power sources, including geothermal energy, has played a pivotal role in improving air quality in northern China. Zhang Jianhua, the Director of the National Energy Administration of China, emphasized how these cleaner energy alternatives have contributed to reducing pollution and enhancing the overall well-being of the region’s residents. Geothermal energy, in particular, has emerged as a key contributor to the ongoing efforts to combat air pollution and promote healthier living conditions.

To accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy and other renewable sources, China’s National Energy Administration has set ambitious targets. One of the most notable goals is to increase the geothermal heating-cooling area by a staggering 50% within a five-year period starting in 2020. Additionally, the plan includes doubling the geothermal power generation capacity, further emphasizing China’s commitment to expanding the use of this clean and sustainable energy source.

  • The broader clean energy landscape

While geothermal energy is a focal point of China’s clean energy strategy, it is just one piece of the puzzle. The country is also actively scaling up wind and solar power projects. Wind energy, with its abundant resources in various regions of China, offers significant potential for generating electricity in an environmentally friendly manner. Likewise, solar power, harnessed from the sun’s rays, has become increasingly cost-effective and is poised to play a substantial role in China’s renewable energy portfolio.

Moreover, China is pursuing the safe advancement of nuclear power plant construction. Nuclear energy, while controversial due to safety concerns, is a low-carbon energy source that can provide a consistent and reliable supply of electricity. By advancing nuclear power technology in a safe and responsible manner, China aims to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, China’s actions send a clear signal that the transition to clean energy is not only necessary but also achievable on a large scale. With innovative approaches and investments in renewable energy technologies, China is poised to become a global leader in the clean energy revolution, setting an example for other nations to follow in the pursuit of a greener future.

Writing by Kevin Wood; Editing by Sarah White