The Great Squanderer: China’s Scramble for Energy

Known as the “great factory of the world,” China is on a global hunt for energy, minerals and other natural resources. China accounts for about 10 percent of the world’s energy consumption, and with the world’s larges population, per-capita consumption is expected to increase steadily. Despite the fast growth of its economy, more than 9 percent annually, China does not use energy efficiently, spending seven times more than Japan for every dollar of output. Ongoing growth and jobs require energy. As a result, China is committed to more efficient energy use. Plans for conservation as well as development of alternative energy sources, including hydroelectric, nuclear, wind and bio-fuel power are underway, and researchers aim for China to export surplus electricity. – YaleGlobal