Opinion | How strategic planning is powering China’s green energy transition – South China Morning Post

Report on Contrasting National Approaches to Clean Energy and Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Divergent Paths in Global Energy Policy

Recent analysis of global energy trends indicates a significant divergence in policy and investment between major economies, particularly China and the United States. This report examines China’s strategic advancements in clean energy infrastructure and policy, framed within its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and contrasts this with policy shifts in the United States. The differing approaches have profound implications for the global pursuit of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2.0 China’s Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

China has demonstrated a consistent, long-term strategy to transition towards a low-carbon economy, directly supporting several key SDGs. This strategy is characterized by massive investment in renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure.

2.1 Advancements in SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Development of an extensive ultra-high-voltage (UHV) power transmission network.
• Implementation of the “west-to-east power transmission programme” to connect remote renewable energy generation sites in the north and west with populous industrial centers in the east.
• These UHV lines possess a transmission capacity exceeding any comparable infrastructure in the United States, representing a significant innovation in sustainable infrastructure.

2.2 Progress Towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

China’s energy policy has accelerated its decarbonization efforts, establishing the nation as a leading “electrostate.”

1. National Climate Commitments: The government has formally committed to reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
2. Rapid Growth in Renewables: Since 2021, China has increased the share of renewable energy in its total installed power generation capacity from approximately 40 per cent to nearly 60 per cent.
3. Tackling Fossil Fuel Reliance: These initiatives are designed to systematically reduce the country’s historical reliance on coal, a primary challenge in achieving sustainable development.

3.0 Comparative Analysis: United States Energy Policy Landscape

In contrast to China’s consistent strategy, the energy policy landscape in the United States has been subject to partisan shifts, creating uncertainty for renewable energy development and raising concerns about its commitment to global climate goals.

3.1 Policy Reversals and Impact on SDG 7

• The “drill, baby, drill” approach prioritizes fossil fuel industries, directly conflicting with the objectives of SDG 7 and SDG 13.
• Support for renewable energy has been reportedly diminished under certain administrations.
• A key example is the cancellation of the Esmeralda 7 project, a major collection of solar initiatives in Nevada that was undergoing regulatory review and would have been one of the largest in the world.

4.0 Conclusion: Implications for Global SDG Attainment

The analysis reveals two distinct national trajectories. China’s persistent and large-scale investment in clean energy infrastructure and capacity demonstrates a strong alignment with SDGs 7, 9, and 13. Conversely, policy volatility in the United States poses a significant challenge to both its domestic transition to clean energy and the collective global effort to combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article’s central theme is China’s significant investment and development in clean energy technologies, including solar projects and the expansion of renewable energy capacity.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The text highlights the development of massive infrastructure projects, specifically the “ultra-high-voltage power lines” designed to transmit clean energy across the country, which is a key aspect of sustainable infrastructure.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses China’s strategic shift towards a low-carbon future, its commitment to decarbonizing its power grid, and its specific national goals for carbon emissions, which are direct measures for climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article directly addresses this by stating that China “has increased the share of renewable energy in its total installed power generation capacity from 40 per cent to about 60 per cent” since 2021.
• Target 7.b: By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries. The description of China’s “longest ultra-high-voltage power lines” and the “west-to-east power transmission programme” are examples of expanding infrastructure to supply clean energy.
• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. The construction of power lines capable of carrying more electricity than any in the US, designed to transfer clean energy from remote generation sites to populous areas, fits this description of developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article explicitly mentions China’s national energy strategy, its “commitment to reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060,” and its “multiple initiatives to promote decarbonising the country’s power grid.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 7.2: The article provides a direct quantitative indicator by mentioning the increase in the share of renewable energy in China’s total installed power generation capacity “from 40 per cent to about 60 per cent” since 2021. This aligns with Indicator 7.2.1 (Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption).
• Indicator for Target 9.1: While not a formal quantitative indicator, the article provides qualitative evidence of progress. The mention of “one of China’s longest ultra-high-voltage power lines” and the implementation of the “west-to-east power transmission programme” serve as tangible examples of large-scale sustainable infrastructure development.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: The article points to specific national commitments that serve as indicators of policy integration. The stated goals of “reaching peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060” are measurable policy targets that reflect the integration of climate action into national planning.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: amp.scmp.com