Boao’s Zero-Carbon Initiative: Showcasing China’s Green Transition
The pursuit of sustainable development and green transition is taking center stage in China, and this year’s Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) stands as a testament to these efforts.
“We should first invest in renewable energy and establish a new resource before abandoning the old one,” remarked Zhou Xiaochuan, vice-chairman of the BFA Board.
At the forum held in Boao, located in south China’s Hainan Province, discussions focused heavily on sustainable development. Out of over 40 panel discussions, at least eight centered around themes like “zero-carbon” and “climate action.”
As I walked around the forum venue, the idyllic seaside scenery—with coconut palm trees swaying gently in the breeze—and abundant green initiatives underscored the perfect setting for an environment-focused dialogue.
The near-zero carbon demonstration zone at the venue, which began trial operation in March, embodies China’s innovative approach to creating a greener future. Utilizing local wind, solar, and thermal resources, the zone ensures zero-carbon operations through 18 projects, including landscaping, green building, and eco-friendly transportation. It represents a convergence of renewable energy and high functional efficiency, offering a long-term environmental solution based on innovation.
“It is essential to have a clearer understanding of the entire market structure,” said Zou Ji, CEO and president of Energy Foundation China, during a panel discussion at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023. “Especially in the context of energy transition, I attach great importance to technological innovation and research and development.”
Nishant Bhardwaj, deputy director of the Global Green Growth Institute, added, “Technologies are emerging with artificial intelligence systems and the digitization of networks, bringing smartness to operations for greater availability and to maximize the grid for the use of renewable energy.”
The island province of Hainan has been leveraging its intrinsic advantages in ecological sustainability to work continuously toward its future. “Hainan’s natural beauty isn’t just a local treasure; it is shared by all Chinese and people around the world. Preserving the lush mountains and rivers, blue seas and skies of Hainan is crucial for us all,” said Feng Fei, Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee.
In 2019, the Chinese government unveiled a plan to build a national ecological civilization pilot zone in Hainan, aimed at reaching a world-leading level in environmental quality. Since then, significant progress has been made. The proportion of days with excellent or good air quality in the province last year reached 99.5 percent, the highest ever. The PM2.5 concentration dropped by 25 percent compared to 2019.
The government has also initiated a comprehensive reform program for the island’s energy sector, aiming to transform Hainan into a “green energy island” by 2035.
The demonstration zone reflects China’s vision of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. For China, the world’s second-largest economy, the vitality of its economy depends on sufficient energy resources. But does this transition make economic sense?
The answer appears to be yes. Official data show that China-made photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, gearboxes, and other key components continue to dominate the global market, accounting for 70 percent of the world’s total market share in 2022. According to Liu Zhenmin, senior advisor to the Chinese delegation to COP28, the cost of global wind power has been reduced by 80 percent and photovoltaic power generation by 90 percent, thanks to China’s vigorous development of renewable energy. This has been a major contributing force in realizing green transformation with affordable clean energy.
“From an economic standpoint, relative price has always been important,” noted Zhou Xiaochuan. “We must examine what we ultimately offer to the market, especially to users: Is coal power more expensive, or is new energy more expensive? We must widen the price gap and offer cheaper new energy. This is the only way to guide demand and optimize resource allocation.”
Shi Bing, Vice President of China General Nuclear Power Group, emphasized, “Firstly, we need to further strengthen international cooperation. For example, we have domestic advantages in technology, funding, and experience. How can we enhance international cooperation and assist other countries in developing clean energy? Secondly, we need to establish the interconnection of electricity so that everyone can share clean energy on a larger scale.”
China is not only progressing steadily toward its own carbon neutrality goals but is also helping other countries adapt to energy transition more easily.
“On the one hand, Asia is still developing and has not reached its peak in terms of emissions,” said Nishant Bhardwaj. “But at the same time, it is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world and also houses the maximum number of vulnerable people. South-South cooperation becomes very important. That would actually be mutually beneficial for both countries that have the technology and finance and the countries that need technology and finance. And that would be the recipe for success in Asia.”
A report titled “Striding Towards Zero-Carbon Electricity Era and Bolstering Green Development in Asia” was released at the Boao Forum, in which the word “cooperation” appeared 164 times. Indeed, cooperation is key for all stakeholders to work hand in hand in catalyzing the continent’s energy transition.
Reference(s):
Boao's approach to 'zero carbon': A demonstration and an obligation
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