G20 Foundation Publications Turkey 2015 | Page 41

ENERGY 41
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No discussion of low-carbon energy would be complete without a mention of nuclear , and China has huge ambitions for its nuclear sector . Right now , of the 67 reactors being built globally , more than one-third are here in China
But another story that is less well-known is China ’ s expansion of hydropower and its impacts . According to IEA analysis , in fact , the emissions avoided in China over the last 10 years thanks to its increase in hydropower capacity alone are greater than all the emissions avoided in the United States as a result of the switch from coal to natural gas during the same time .
We also recognise and applaud the steps taken by China , not only to lower its reliance on coal , but also to improve the efficiency of its coal use . Again , according to IEA analysis , thanks to tighter domestic regulation , the efficiency of the coal-fired power fleet in China is now higher than that of the OECD average . Another very impressive achievement .
But there is still a long way to go , in China as elsewhere , before we are on a pathway towards a more sustainable energy future . We have shown that – even though China has pledged to achieve a peak in its carbon dioxide emissions around 2030 , if not earlier – the world as a whole is not on track to replicate this achievement , with global emissions still projected to be on an increasing trend by that date . We need to do more than weaken the link between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions : we need to harness technology and policy in a united effort to break this link completely . In this area , China is one of the leaders of global efforts .
“ No discussion of lowcarbon energy would be complete without a mention of nuclear , and China has huge ambitions for its nuclear sector . Right now , of the 67 reactors being built globally , more than onethird are here in China ”
This country has created significant , positive political momentum ahead of the climate negotiations in Paris later this year . As I wrote in the People ’ s Daily newspaper back in July , China ’ s constructive leadership deserves applause .…
But China still has many important policy challenges ahead , on which the IEA Secretariat and IEA member countries have valuable experience to share . For example , one such area is air pollution as a result of coal combustion , vehicle exhaust , industrial operations and construction , which is now a serious problem affecting many Chinese cities . IEA members have faced similar problems in the past , and so we have an opportunity to draw on these experiences and find solutions together . There are also questions of efficient market operation and design , as well as
deployment of low carbon technologies and designing energy efficiency policies ….
In some fields , such as ultra-high-voltage electricity transmission , China is leading and IEA members can benefit . In others , the experience of IEA members could provide insights for China . We also have a strong convergence of interest in the core area of energy security ...
In short , we must make room for China under the IEA umbrella in order to safeguard and extend the benefits of collective energy security . We are also prepared to work to support China ’ s constructive perspective in leading global energy discussions .
During its G20 presidency next year , China will be in a position to propose an ambitious energy agenda . Improving energy efficiency , renewable energy , global energy governance and energy access – in addition to other energy topics to be agreed by the G20 – are among the issues that the world will benefit from during China ’ s G20 presidency …
And so I repeat my call for the start of a new era : If China and the IEA can work together , China benefits . If China and the IEA can work together , the IEA benefits . If China and the IEA can work together , the world benefits . This is my appeal to you today . Let ’ s start a new era . Let ’ s work together . Together – and very closely .
Thank you very much . Xièxiè .