China's Energy Crunch

With oil prices and pollution levels soaring, China is on a mission to reduce its dependence on oil and diversify its energy supplies. While a few hinterland villages are warming up to compost-fueled stoves and solar-powered ovens, most of the country still relies on industrial-age resources such as coal (to produce electricity) and low-quality gasoline and diesel (to power the nation's transport systems). But alternative energy sources are under development:

NATURAL GAS:
Current Percentage of overall power production: 2.9%
Percentage by 2010: 5%
MAJOR PROJECTS: The 4,000-km West-East gas pipeline is expected...

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