From Chinese Press

Yet to be top energy consumer

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-19 09:04

The International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a report last month saying China overtook the US last year as the world's biggest energy consumer. But even if China is the world's top energy consumer, it does not mean it is spewing the highest volume of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Besides, it has been shouldering its responsibility as one of biggest energy consumers, says an article in People Daily. Excerpts:

To ensure steady economic development, China has been consuming huge amounts of energy in recent years. But according to the National Bureau of Statistic, China's energy consumption last year was still lower than that of the US.

And China's per capita energy consumption last year was still 4.5 times less than that of the US. As a developing country and home to the world's largest population, China has more than enough reasons to improve people's livelihood. Therefore, it should not be blamed for its cumulative energy use.

Despite its great demand for energy, China still depends largely on domestic supply and uses coal as its major source of energy. In contrast, other developed countries rely on energy imports, especially oil and natural gas. China is now under more pressure to meet its energy demand domestically and contribute to the world's energy security.

China is on schedule to meet the energy demand. It will also conserve energy, reduce GHG emissions and develop new energy. Irrespective of whether it is the biggest energy consumer, China has been consistent with its energy strategy and has fulfilled its responsibilities.

(China Daily 08/19/2010 page9)