Energy Challenges in the Context of Globalization and Urbanization and China’s Clean Energy Practices

Image credit: Zhang Bochao

In today’s rapidly developing globalized and urbanized world, energy issues have become an urgent global challenge. With the increasing population and expanding urban areas, energy demand is rising at an unprecedented rate. At the same time, the widespread use of fossil fuels has not only caused tight energy supply but also led to severe environmental pollution and climate change. Therefore, the seventh of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — “Affordable and Clean Energy” — explicitly aims to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern energy worldwide. Achieving this goal is not only crucial for environmental protection but also vital for robust economic growth and comprehensive social progress.

China's Efforts and Achievements in Clean Energy

As the largest developing country globally, China has made significant efforts and innovations in promoting clean energy, and its achievements are widely recognized internationally. The Chinese government attaches great importance to sustainable development and the promotion of green energy, considering the development of clean energy as a critical component of the national strategy. China is committed not only to increasing the proportion of renewable energy but also to diversifying its energy structure and reducing its reliance on traditional fossil fuels like coal and oil.

In recent years, China has made remarkable achievements in clean energy investment and innovation. According to the National Energy Administration, China is currently the world’s largest producer and consumer of renewable energy, with leading capabilities in wind and solar power generation. Furthermore, China is at the forefront of technological innovation and engineering in hydropower. Through these efforts, China has effectively driven technological innovation and market development for clean energy both domestically and internationally.

Shenzhen: A Pioneer City in Energy Transition

Shenzhen, as a frontier of China’s reform and opening-up and an economic development benchmark, plays a demonstrative role in the development of the clean energy industry. The Shenzhen Municipal Government is firmly committed to energy transition, focusing on building a clean, low-carbon, and efficient energy system. In recent years, Shenzhen has actively developed natural gas infrastructure, explored the use of renewable energy for power generation, and increased the proportion of clean energy in its energy mix through policy incentives.

Shenzhen Energy Group, the city’s primary power producer and supplier, has played a key role in promoting clean energy utilization. Its renewable energy capacity accounts for more than 25% of its total installed capacity, promoting efficient use of clean energy through waste-to-energy and natural gas power generation, among other forms. Meanwhile, Shenzhen has also achieved significant success in promoting new energy vehicles, making it the city with the largest promotion scale of new energy vehicles globally. By promoting new energy buses and taxis, Shenzhen has effectively reduced urban traffic carbon emissions. These measures have improved energy efficiency and significantly enhanced urban air quality, demonstrating a concrete path toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7.

Zhenglan Banner in Inner Mongolia: Clean Energy Practices on the Grasslands

Zhenglan Banner in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region offers a successful case of energy transition in less developed areas. The local government collaborates closely with residents to promote the use of solar and wind power facilities, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Zhenglan Banner, with its abundant sunshine and wind resources, has built large-scale solar power stations and wind farms, converting these natural resources into usable clean energy.

These efforts have not only increased local energy self-sufficiency and provided more stable income sources for farmers and herders but have also significantly improved residents' quality of life. Meanwhile, with the promotion and application of clean energy facilities, Zhenglan Banner has successfully reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, protecting the local grassland ecosystem. This "energy transition + ecological protection" development model offers valuable lessons for other regions.

Global Influence of Clean Energy and China's Leadership Role

China’s various practices in the clean energy sector reflect its strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and provide valuable experiences and inspirations for other countries worldwide. China’s success demonstrates that developing clean energy is not only a crucial step in combating climate change but also an effective means of promoting economic transformation and upgrading, improving energy security, and enhancing social well-being.

In terms of technological innovation, China has promoted rapid advancements in solar photovoltaic, wind power generation, and energy storage technologies by increasing research and development investment and encouraging enterprises to participate in technological development. Additionally, China has driven the prosperity of upstream and downstream industries by vigorously developing the clean energy industry chain, injecting new vitality into the global clean energy market.

China has also spared no effort in policy support and international cooperation. The government has introduced a series of supportive policies, such as subsidies, tax incentives, and financial support, to encourage the construction and promotion of clean energy projects. Simultaneously, China actively participates in global climate governance, joins multiple international environmental agreements, and shares its experience and technologies in the clean energy sector with other countries, promoting the realization of global sustainable development goals.

Looking Ahead: New Opportunities for China's Clean Energy Development

Looking ahead, China will continue to increase investment and innovation in the clean energy sector to achieve higher levels of sustainable development. With the further implementation of clean energy projects and the application of new technologies, China is expected to play a more significant leadership role in the global energy transition in the future. By advancing clean energy development, China will not only further optimize its energy structure, reduce environmental pollution and carbon emissions but also provide more Chinese wisdom and solutions for global energy transition.

China's journey toward clean energy is still filled with challenges but also presents immense development opportunities. By steadfastly advancing technological innovation, policy support, and international cooperation, China will continue to progress steadily toward the goal of “Affordable and Clean Energy,” contributing more to global sustainable development.