Primary Energy Consumption in China and its Environmental Impact

Abstract: This paper is a literature survey of the primary energy consumption in China since 1978 and its impact on environment. The high dependence on fossil energy resources, coal in particular, has together with the rapid growth of energy consumption during the past decade increased the outlet of pollutants to air, soil and water. The paper focuses on air pollutions in the first hand. The development from 1978 until around 2010 is described and discussed. The scientific articles found are mostly funded or influenced by Chinese authorities. Therefore the paper also reviews some environmental NGO’s and newspapers to get a counter weight. This has supported the view that there is an urgent need for action in China to stop degradation of the environment. A handful of options to reduce the environmental impact of primary energy consumption are discussed together with the challenges China faces today. The urgency for action is obvious and the question to be answered in the near future is if the government in China has the capacity to implement the options discussed.