3.5 Case Study - China Energy Supply

Question 1

The relationship between China’s economic growth and energy demand

Answer 1

• China’s economy continues to grow alongside with the growth of energy consumption (use).
• There is a positive relationship between energy consumption and economic growth.
• The demand for energy in China continues to increase significantly as the country expands in its industrial base.
  * In 2009 China overtook the USA in total energy usage.

Question 2

Big three sources of energy in China (in 2015)

Answer 2

1. Coal (63.7%)
2. Oil (18.6%)
3. HEP (8.5%)

Question 3

Coal in China reason of use

Answer 3

• China remains dependent upon coal for most of its power generation and heat. (burns half of the world total)
• To keep up with expanding demand from an expanding population, China on average is bringing a new coal-fired energy plant on line every week.
• Coal is an essential raw material in steel-making industries, which is important in China’s economy.

Question 4

Problems with burning coal in China

Answer 4

• Coal burning in the country is thebiggest sourceof both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the leading cause of climate change.
• Coal is responsible for about 40 percent of the deadly fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5 in China’s atmosphere.
• Provinces in northern China, where steel, cement and power plants are common, have the highest concentrations of PM 2.5 in the country.

Question 5

Regulations against coal in China (3)

Answer 5

• China has enforced stricter emission standards for coal-fired plants.
• China is retiring older and more polluting coal-fired power plants and replacing with new cleaner ones.
• China has cut the share of coal in its total energy mix from 68% in 2012 to 59% in 2018, though overall consumption has continued to increase.

Question 6

Location and expanse of the Three Gorges Dam

Answer 6

• The Three Gorges Dam across the Yangtze river is the world’s largest electricity generating plant of any kind.
• The dam is over 2km long and 100m high. The reservoir is over 600 square km big
• There are 34 generators giving the scheme a 22500mw generating capacity. They generated 10% of hydroelectricity supply in 2018.

Question 7

Advantages of Three Gorges Dam (name 4)

Answer 7

• HEP is renewable, clean and non-polluting.
• It is cheap after the initial cost of the dam.
• It helps with flood control and provide water for farming and industry.
• The reservoir can be stocked with fish and support a local fishery.
• Tourism has been developed for tourists to visit the great construction.

Question 8

Disadvantages of Three Gorges Dam

Answer 8

• The building cost was expensive - $25 billion.
• Over 1.25 million people were removed to make way for the dam and the reservoir.
• Whole towns and villages disappeared along with historical remains.
• The dam interferes with aquatic life – Many species are threatened extinction or has been extinct. (Yangtze River Dolphin)