China: Alternative Paths to Power

CHINA'S ENERGY CRUNCH

With oil prices and pollution levels soaring, China is on a mission to reduce its dependence on oil. While the country still relies heavily on industrial-age resources like coal (to produce electricity), alternative energy sources are under development:

•NATURAL GAS

Current percentage of power production: 2.9%

Target for 2010: 5%

MAJOR PROJECTS: Next year the 4,000-km west- east gas pipeline should begin delivering 5,000 cu m of gas annually from the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang to Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta.

•NUCLEAR POWER

Current percentage: 1.2%

Target for 2010: 2% to 3%

MAJOR PROJECTS: China is adding capacity faster than...

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