China Could Replace Coal with Wind

china-wind
It's clear that China is taking on renewable energy projects at a fast pace. The country has doubled its installed wind power every year for the past five years and a new study shows the country should keep it up. Researchers from Harvard and Beijing Tsinghua University have found that China could meet all of their electricity demands from wind power through 2030.

The scientists came up with meteorological and financial forecasts that show that China can run on wind alone. They mapped the wind potential for different regions and then assumed that each had a smattering of 1.5 MW turbines. They excluded metro areas or unusable terrain. Once they calculated how much energy each area could generate, they then came up with the cost of the energy.

They discovered that many areas, especially northern and western parts of the country, could generate energy at about 6 - 8 cents/kWh. This meant 6.96 trillion kWh could be generated annually at a profit, which is twice the current energy demand and close to what the demand is expected to be in 2030.

If China chose this route instead of adding more coal, it could prevent 3.5 billion tons of CO2 from being emitted.

Since China is already installing wind at a rapid pace, the researchers think it's entirely possible that they could make these projections a reality. The major hurdle for the country would be upgrading and expanding their transmission system to handle new wind farms.

While a world powered by renewable energy is still a long ways off, it's really promising to hear of studies like these that show that it's definitely accomplishable.

via MIT Technology Review

Email this

Comments (18) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by Minnie Egg, September 17, 2009

That's excellent. Stop using all that nasty coal, China.

Coal as food
written by Lilah, September 17, 2009

Did you know that coal can be transformed into wholesome food? One tonne of coal can make up to 600Kg of food.

Coal can be transformed into flour, cakes, sauces, pasta, meats and other delicious foods. The coal is cracked into various hydrocarbon fractions and then recombined to produce the desired foodstuff. Left overs from the food synthesis can be used for fuel, plastic manufacture etc.

China must do more good things as a big country
written by rare earth magnets, September 17, 2009

China is big country, too much people, must more and more saving the sources.

-1

...
written by wedding dresses, September 17, 2009

It was an exciting news. I hope that this project can be successful.

-1

Has anyone been in China?
written by hyperspaced, September 17, 2009

I don't think that Chinese care about the environment at this point of their development. They only care how to accumulate money, just like the american companies did in the 80's and 90's.
Sorry, but that's how it is. A trip to Beijing to see the smog will convince you.

if China wny not America?
written by Mark, September 17, 2009

China can take decisions without political wrangling meaning that if they see that Wind is cheaper they will go with it, there are little financial interests blocking progress, this is something that we in the west suffer from, we could fill Europe with Solar and the US with Wind and Solar and it could power both continents without problem the only problem is a political one.

You see the communist regime in China doesn't look at things in 4-5 year periods they look at things in 40-50 year periods, so investing billions in something makes sense.

China with it's lack of democracy means that they will supersede the US and Europe pretty soon.

I don't know who said it but democracy makes for good politics but not for good government.

Skepticism anyone?
written by Robb, September 17, 2009

Maybe this is just me, but I'm always skeptical of the news I hear about progress in the East. Certainly there's a lot of credibility associated with this study's attachment to Harvard, but am I fair in assuming we need to take this with a grain of salt?

Robb Hughes
Head of Sales & Marketing
Green Meetup
Robb Hughes
Find Green Eco-Friendly and Organic Products Here

...
written by jks, September 18, 2009

completely misleading because projections are based on capacity modules and not output modules. Even at its best wind never bypasses 40% of its capacity. Another quick greenwash for the wind industy

-1

...
written by Residential Wind Power, September 18, 2009

As you mentioned in the article the ability for the entire world to run on renewable energy is still a long way away however when the county with the largest population in the world looks at a project such as this it can really change the game.

China has 1/6 of the population of the world and are growing at such a great rate that moving them to renewable energy will dramatically reduce the amount of CO2 being released worldwide - this is fantastic news for everybody.

To accelerate things a little faster i beleive that the Chinese government should look at funding people to have their own vertical wind turbine which could power their home and put excess energy back onto the grid.

...
written by cheap ugg boots, September 26, 2009

Best Ugg Boots Online Store Give You Discount Ugg Boots! Get Ugg Classic Cardy, Sheepskin Slippers, Ugg Classic Mini And Other Ugg Boots With Discount Price!

http://www.goodugg.co.uk
written by angelia110, September 29, 2009

Costs For Uggs--What It Costs?
-->Are you lusting after a few (or even more) Uggs (UGG Australia) boots and if so, you're in good company, as girls and women of all ages, especially with the simple, slipper-like design of these sheepskin ugg boots, which are relatively easy and very comfortable to wear. And they appear to be affected. Some men are also jumping on the trend and luxury UGGs? Australia, the brand also offers a range of contemporary styles for them.
-->Could you mind giving everyone loves from ugg-boots? There are so many types of uggs, ugg bailey button,ugg classic tall, ugg classic short, ugg classic cardy. How to choose your favorite? Or do you really want to one uggs regardless its style? Despite their design is awkward and slipper-lile, Uggs is one of the few stations that are of general interest, have argued that cross generational lines.
-->Young people, students and young mothers and the Middle Ages, the original Black Ultra Tall UGG Boots, seem pulled the fleecy-lined boots that are manufactured in Australia, with the best materials. Are you sure that your feet warm in winter without socks, and cool in summer so that is more versatile too? If no, hurry up to take one ugg boots on goodugg uk sale ! That's why we see people wear them in schools, supermarkets, on the slopes and even in the most popular beaches in the United States and abroad. Many surfers also use uggs to keep their feet warm.
-->What do you really care about? Is its price or quality, or you just following the general trend? You know what are you thinking in your heart!

...
written by cheap ugg boots, October 05, 2009

Best Ugg Boots Online Store Give You Discount Ugg Boots! Get Ugg Classic Cardy, Sheepskin Slippers, Ugg Classic Mini And Other Ugg Boots With Discount Price!

...
written by ugg boots sale11111, October 12, 2009

Accidentally come here , I am incomparable to enjoy myself when i appreciate your beautiful article from my deep heart!Ugg Boots

Everything dynamic and very positively!Ugg Boot

I think I will try to recommend this post to my friends and family, cuz itâ€™s really helpful.Ugg Boots Sale

Just wanted to say great job with the blog, today is my first visit here and Iâ€™ve enjoyed reading your posts so farUggs

Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.ugg boots cheap

Only One word to characterize such a great post â€œWOWâ€ that was a very interesting readugg boots uk

Everything dynamic and very positively!ugg australia boots

I think I will try to recommend this post to my friends and family, cuz itâ€™s really helpful.ugg boots online

Just wanted to say great job with the blog, today is my first visit here and Iâ€™ve enjoyed reading your posts so farnew ugg boots

...
written by ugg boots, October 12, 2009

Good News For youï¼Œ now i have a ugg store, you can find cheap ugg boots in my store,there are ugg classic short boots , ugg classic tall boots,ugg classic cardy boots, ugg classic mini boots , ugg ultra short boots , ugg ultra tall boots , ugg baby boots and you can find the most popular boots,it is the newest style this year, ugg bailey button boots , you can enjoy free shipping if you buy now! don't wait to the winter as the price is cheaper than that at that time!!! come on!!