Background to China’s energy strategy

Question 1

What percentage of the world’s energy supply does China consume?

Answer 1

26% - ¼ of the world’s energy supply

Question 2

Explain the significance of President Xi Jinping’s announcement regarding carbon neutrality by 2060.

Answer 2

No other country has achieved this and it will be especially good for china. Carbon emissions would peak by 2020 - looking to be ‘net zero’ by 2060

Question 3

Describe the economic changes China underwent in the 1980s and 1990s that impacted its energy consumption.

Answer 3

Gpd was only 6% and energy 34%. Open trade with the rest of the world. Privatised industries. Increased international trade

Question 4

How has China’s energy consumption changed since the year 2000, and what are the implications of this change?

Answer 4

Realised the negative impacts. Increase in energy consumption - tripled

Question 5

What measures is China taking to address its pollution problem and energy security?

Answer 5

Wind and solar installations. In 2010 they committed to renewables. Renuables still only make up a very small proportion of energy mix.

Question 6

Discuss the importance of ultra high voltage power lines in China’s energy strategy.

Answer 6

To transport the energy from solar and wind power plants without losing energy through normal wires. From the west to the industrial east

Question 7

What role does nuclear power play in China’s plans for decarbonisation?

Answer 7

They want to build 150 new power plants. In the next 15 years,nuclear is very controversial ( firm clean power)

Question 8

Identify the challenges China faces in meeting its net zero emissions target by 2060.

Answer 8

Emissions are increasing. Supply and demand - world wide shortage of coal - ration energy - flash back to blackouts.

Question 9

How does China’s investment in renewable energy affect the global energy landscape?

Answer 9

Chinas has significant role in - lowered coal
Supply chain of renewable power

Question 10

What are the potential risks of the West’s dependence on China for energy technologies and materials?

Answer 10

Dominance in cobalt mining for lithium batteries.
Geopolitical implications of energy dependence
Human rights abuses in solar panel production
Vulnerability of supply