Understanding Implications of Conventional Energy on Renewable Energy Development in China
Author
Sun, Liying
Term
4. term
Publication year
2018
Submitted on
2018-05-31
Pages
55
Abstract
This thesis examines why China’s energy policy is comparatively conservative in shifting from conventional fuels to renewable energy. Using a literature-based review, historical context, and descriptive data on energy consumption and production (including coal and wind), it develops an explanatory framework that combines Export-Oriented Industrialization (EOI) and World-Systems Theory. Domestically, it highlights the government’s emphasis on social harmony and cautious policymaking, alongside export-led manufacturing since the 1978 opening that ties growth to energy-intensive production with coal as the primary source. Externally, it describes how the eastward movement of capital, profit-driven investment, and China’s role as the world’s factory in a semi-peripheral position within the world economy constrain the government’s ability to accelerate the transition independently. Together, these factors explain coal’s enduring dominance and why targets such as those in the 13th Five-Year Plan reflect a gradual, cautious shift toward non-fossil energy. The study thus identifies key challenges and structural constraints shaping renewable energy deployment in China.
Specialet undersøger, hvorfor Kinas energipolitik er relativt konservativ i skiftet fra konventionelle brændsler til vedvarende energi. Med udgangspunkt i en litteraturbaseret gennemgang, historisk kontekst og deskriptive data om energiforbrug og -produktion (herunder kul og vind), udvikles en forklaringsramme, der kombinerer eksportorienteret industrialisering (EOI) og verdenssystemteori. Internt fremhæves regeringens prioritering af et harmonisk samfund og forsigtig politikudformning samt den eksportdrevne fremstilling, der siden åbningen i 1978 har gjort væksten afhængig af energiintensiv produktion med kul som hovedkilde. Eksternt beskrives, hvordan kapitalens forskydning mod Østasien, profitmotiver og Kinas rolle som verdens fabrik i en semi-perifer position i verdenssystemet begrænser regeringens mulighed for uafhængigt at accelerere den grønne omstilling. Tilsammen forklarer disse forhold, hvorfor kul stadig dominerer, og hvorfor målsætninger som i den 13. femårsplan afspejler et gradvist og forsigtigt skifte mod ikke-fossile brændsler. Arbejdet identificerer dermed centrale udfordringer og rammebetingelser for udbredelsen af vedvarende energi i Kina.
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