Chow solve the energy problem of the successful experience of environmental protection

 Chow: Solving the environmental problems of energy sources of the successful experience of
: First Financial Daily
China is facing serious energy and environmental problems. Energy consumption reduced by 20%, while in 2006 only 1.4 percentage points to complete the task.
However, we should see that China's efforts to solve environmental problems in energy, there are many success stories. in the development of clean energy on the solar panel production and export has increased significantly. in the air pollution control, the use of sulfur dioxide purifiers reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants.
under the August 25, 2009 use of solar energy than the use of coal, oil, natural gas, or wind energy expensive, but the global economic downturn and the European Union on the purchase of solar panels to cut subsidies and reduce the price of solar panels. And last year, the solar panel prices fell nearly half, China enterprises have played a leading role. China's production costs are lower than other countries, which makes solar panels, increased production in China, particularly since March 2009, the central and local governments provide manufacturers with a large number of subsidies, including free land, R & D funds. state-owned banks for the industry to provide a loan interest rate much lower than the U.S. and European markets adequate funding.
China's largest manufacturer of solar panels, Suntech has become second only to the United States, the world's First Solar the second largest manufacturer of solar panels. In China, many companies have entered the market. Some companies are planning production in the United States to avoid the import of Chinese goods in the United States protectionist trade policies. Although solar power generation is increasing, but it still only a small source of energy, solar energy in 2020 is expected to total capacity (2000 MW) equivalent of one year only new coal-fired generating capacity in half.
solar panel industry, the successful development of that the Chinese government to promote economic development have the ability to identify important subsidies for energy products and to increase its output; Meanwhile, Chinese entrepreneurs are also able to prepare full advantage of government subsidies and favorable conditions for the production and marketing to expand its product and export.
promote the use of clean energy in China's success, not just in solar panels this case. In the past four years, China's wind energy production has doubled each year, more than expected this year United States as the world's first wind power generation equipment market. In addition, the construction of nuclear power plants in China far exceeds the number of nuclear power plants in other countries combined.
Princeton University's Woodrow. Wilson School of Public Relations Dr. Xu Yuandi thesis about a used to control sulfur dioxide air pollution purification success stories. in the Eleventh Five-Year Plan The most significant changes occurred in the coal-fired power plants: China had achieved in all new power plants with sulfur dioxide, converted old power plants to install cleaner. to the end of 2008, China has 363 million kilowatts electricity use of sulfur dioxide produced by purification treatment of sulfur dioxide, accounting for Total coal-fired power generation (601 million kilowatts) of 60%. In contrast, the end of 2005 the proportion was only 10%.
this achievement thanks to central government for local government leaders to mobilize and coal-fired Power Plants long effort. In order to mobilize the enthusiasm of local leaders, the right to stop large-scale construction projects affecting the environment (including new coal-fired power plants over 200 MW), as under the law, the implementation of large construction projects need to assess the environmental impact of the Environmental Protection Department, and obtain his approval. In order to strengthen site supervision visits, participate in the work of government officials at all levels of the 37,934 people in 2001 increased to 52,845 in 2006, representing an increase 39.9%.
to the plant director in terms of providing incentives for sulfur dioxide purifier use, megawatts to the grid when the price of electricity sales; If you close the purification of sulfur dioxide, then the plant will be fined 75 yuan / MWh. Although many devices as early as 2004, a coal-fired power plant sulfur dioxide purifiers started to enjoy price subsidies, but the penalties and other details of regulations begin until 2007.
reasons for successful control of sulfur dioxide emissions, what does? In China, these factors apply to the general control of air pollution? sulfur dioxide, the successful use of cleaner, mainly depends on two advantages: First, sources of pollution, namely coal-fired power plants, it is easy to find and control. Second, the solution is clear, that the use of sulfur dioxide purifiers. Therefore, local government officials, coal-fired power plants are easy to design transfer director in accordance with the implementation of the policy. and by the consumer or other industrial air pollution caused by producers may not be easily detected, and the solution is not so straightforward. However, the success of sulfur dioxide purifier demonstrated the central government in the control of air pollution on the determination and ability. With this determination, we hope the Government will dare to try to deal with those not easy or more difficult and time-consuming problem.
(author is Professor of Economics at Princeton University. Translation Assistant: Chen Qihui, Teng Yujuan, Weihong Li)