China could see a large number of its cities, counties and towns relying on green energy by 2015 in addressing the issues of climate change, according to the deputy director of the National Energy Administration, Qian Zhimin.
Mr. Qian estimated that by 2015, the country could see as much as 100 cities using alternative energy sources, 200 counties getting energy through unconventional means, 1,000 places demonstrating new energy uses, and 10,000 towns relying on renewable energy, according to China Daily.
“Against the backdrop of combating climate change and pursuing development in a way that saves energy and avoids harming the environment, the notion of a low-carbon town is becoming prevalent, and promising exploration have been conducted by a multitude of…cities,” he explained.
However, he cautioned that careful planning must be done to build proposed model communities in a way that leads to low carbon emissions in the future.
He cited that government efforts should focus on promoting energy conservation in transportation, building operations, and illumination, and at the same time promoting the use of solar energy and vehicles that run on new types of energy.
“Priorities should be placed on the development of public and rail transit and the construction of smart grids. We should also make cities more energy efficient,” Mr. Qian added.
The deputy director pointed out that renewable sources such as the wind, the sun, and biomass materials should be exploited, and that the amount of clean energy being consumed should be constantly increased along with green energy sources.
Country’s first model town
In a forum that discussed carbon model towns, Tianjin Yujiapu financial district was nominated as the first low-carbon model town project in the Asia-Pacific region.
“In recent years, test projects have begun for regions that will emit relatively little carbon and have been preliminarily tried out in five provinces and eight cities, including Tianjin,” Mr. Qian commented.
In the initial planning of the project itself, the city went to international design teams for guidance – going to experienced workers from Manhattan, Chicago, London, and Japan – however, no further details were given regarding the teams.
Meanwhile, in pursuing low-carbon development, Li Bo, the president of the Tianjin Innovative Finance Investment Ltd., which represents the main body for investment and operation in Yujiapu, noted that the buildings in the city are being constructed in accordance to green standards.
“Last year, we signed cooperative agreements with more than 60 low-carbon enterprises from home and abroad,” Mr. Li said.
Following the plan, he added that gradual steps must be taken to fully demonstrate the project’s ability to be a model for low-carbon development.
Energy consumption in industrial production in China accounts for 70 percent of the nation’s total energy consumption as of this year.
At present, 260 enterprises have invested in the Yujiapu financial district, with a total capital registered for the project at around 60 billion yuan, or $9.27 billion.
Just this June, the country’s minister of industry and information technology, Miao Xu, said that the government has plans to green the country’s industrialization strategy, according to Xinhua. The minister highlighted that China will develop its country by promoting energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
All these measures are being taken following the country’s five-year plan which mandates the increased usage of non-fossil fuel, and lowering energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product by 16 percent.
