Special report: 2008 Olympic Games
LONDON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A report published on
Friday hails China as the world's leading renewable energy producer, overtaking
more developed economies in exploiting valuable economic opportunities, creating
green-collar jobs and leading development of critical low carbon technologies.
The report was released by the Climate Group, an
independent organization that works internationally with government and business
leaders to advance climate change solutions and accelerate a low carbon economy.
The report, entitled "China's Clean Revolution,"
shows that China's transition to a low carbon economy is well underway, led by
supportive government policies which are not only driving innovation in low
carbon technologies but also diverting billions of dollars of investment into
energy efficiency and renewable energy.
It reveals that the low carbon economy is just as
attractive to developing nations like China, as it is to richer countries such
as Britain, Japan and Germany, the report says.
China's combination of cost advantages, a clear
policy framework, a dynamic and entrepreneurial business environment and
abundant abatement opportunities, is proving that developing nations have as
much, if not more, to gain from investment in low carbon solutions to create
green-collar jobs, social benefits and economic growth, it says.
Despite its coal-dependent economy, says the report,
the Chinese government and businesses have embarked on a clean revolution that
has already made it a world leader in the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic
technology (Solar PV).
Over the next 12 months, China is also set to become
the world's leading exporter of wind turbines and compete aggressively in other
low carbon markets including solar water heaters, energy efficient home
appliances and rechargeable batteries.
Steve Howard, CEO of the Climate Group which has its
base in Britain, the United States, Australia, China and India, said: "The
reality is that China's government is beginning to unleash a low carbon dragon
which will power its future growth, development and energy security objectives."
Changhua Wu, China director of the Climate Group,
said: "Far from ignoring climate change, Chinese leaders have already committed
to improving energy efficiency and scaling up the growth of low carbon
industries. China is beginning to pull its weight on climate change and the
targets and policies in place are in line with those being taken by 'leading'
countries like the UK and Germany."
Investment in renewable energy in China is almost
level with world leader Germany as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product),
says the report.
China also leads the world in terms of installed
renewable capacity, added Howard.
Stronger policies from the Chinese government are
creating increased demand for low carbon investment and China will require a
further 398 billion dollars, or 33 billion dollars per year, to meet its 2020
renewable energy goals.
"China's current trajectory will ensure it remains a
strategic global hub for low carbon investment, innovation and growth over
coming decades," said Howard.
