Improvements in Chinese energy structure

China is trying to cut back on coal as a source of power, while putting more focus on cleaner sources such as hydro power and nuclear energy. XXX looks at massive efforts to transform the energy structure in the country.

The central government has invested 163 billion yuan in wind, hydro power, solar power and nuclear energy.

Building is now complete on Asia's second largest solar power station. The plant has been put into operation, and will mean a reduction of 10,000 tons of coal, and 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

The country has also launched 2 solar power projects this year, with the central government pumping in 40 billion yuan in investment. China is planning to build 64 large scale solar power plants in just 2 years.

Meanwhile, with nearly 300 wind power plants already in operation, installed capacity has more than doubled from the previous year. But construction continues on wind power plants with 10 million kilowatt capacities. While in terms of atomic power, capacity from that source now stands at 34 million kilowatts, 4 times the level from 20 years ago.

Wang Yonggan, Secretary General of China Electricity Council, said, "The installed capacity of China's hydro-power and solar power stations is the biggest worldwide. While that for our wind power plants is the 4th largest."

While the development of cleaner energy sources in China is accelerating, the country is also cutting down on the use of coal in generating energy.

China built 10 percent fewer coal fired power plants this year. In 2008, electricity generation from alternative energy sources helped China save 600 million tons of coal. This has helped the country cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 billion tons.

Analysts believe non-fossil energy will account for 15 percent of China primary energy consumption by 2020.