China Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Report: January 2008

At least there is a plan, which is more than you can say for the United States. We continue down the path of "Peak oil," and the panic that will follow. However, China had better do better than 30% renewables by 2050 - that's when oil from wells runs out! And we'd better do better than the less than 2% we're doing now.It's time for the government to get back into the power business a la the Manhattan Project.

It's good to see that there is a plan.  It looks like the report left out Yangtze River Dam.  I thought the total electric generating capacity of the dam was to be 22,500 MW.  Is that part of the 120,000 MW plan of renewables? 

Back in 2007 China became the number one green house gas producer. China in fact imports coal from the United States. China rapidly growing manufacturing sector, is energy hungry. They are also suffering from extreme polution problems. Most of their drinking water is unfit for human consumption. When China grew their economy they took the shortest cheapest rought.

I wouldn't go to the level of brainwashing. However, it does leave out the fact that China is almost at the level of the US in overall emissions despite nowhere near the output.

Both of have our work cut out for us.

That article is pure political lobbying / brainwashing.

China has been starting up one coal burning electrical production plant each WEEK since 2005 and the forecasts are that this pace will continue till 2010, that amounts to 100's of new massively CO2 emitting plants in less than 5 years.

China's renewables policy is to provide 10% of all locally generated electrical power from renewables, by 2020, including hydropower. The EU is already now at that level and will have achieved 30% by 2020, if the EU Directives are respected. The USA now already generates 6% in 2008.

I am assuming they aren't going to generate 120,000 MW as the author states.

They are probably planning on having 120,000MW=120GW of renewables on a nameplate basis in place as generating assets on the grid.

Energy is measured in work over time. thus 120GW of generating capacity working for 1 hour is 120,000MWhrs.

Various renewables have various available capacities. Hydro 98%, Wind 30% etc.

China is making an attempt to repair their damaged environment. Their manufacturing sector and extreme population numbers have increased their need for energy. We as a nation have directly contributed to the increase in size of their manufacturing sector. By outsourcing manufacturing jobs to the cheaper labor market (ie China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea etc) we have fostered a greater need for energy in these countries. Like the U.S., China is relying mainly on coal to meet their energy needs. It borders on unethical that we sell them coal knowing that coal is the number one contributor to Global Warming. The United States should not be building coal fueled power plants and as an example should not foster the building or the operation of these dirty plants in other nations. When are we as the nations' people going to demand that our country the United States stop this "coal and oil madness". Our present government has totally ignored fostering a strong Renewable Energies philosophy and implementation strategy. We continue to frivolously use over 60% of the worlds energy in coal and oil and we ignore the consequences left to our children and all of the innocent living creatures. We need to elect leaders who care about being good stewards of our environment. Leaders with the vision and fortitude to lead us in the implementation of changes that are needed to protect our planet while still fostering a strong economy at home and abroad. Leaders that care about a healthy future for our children and all of the innocent inhabitants of our beautiful Mother Earth. China and all of the other countries will follow suit if we lead the way.