China is on track to eliminate its reliance on imported crude oil within two decades as it ramps up renewable energy capacity and storage, according to National People's Congress (NPC) deputy Liu Hanyuan.
Speaking in Beijing ahead of the annual “two sessions” plenary meeting, Liu, chairman of solar giant Tongwei Group, said China’s growing renewable energy infrastructure, supported by artificial intelligence-driven grid systems, will significantly enhance the country’s energy security.
China, the world’s largest oil importer, purchased 553 million tonnes of crude in 2024, costing $325 billion in foreign exchange reserves. Liu warned that continued dependence on foreign oil poses a risk to national security but asserted that China is "fully equipped" to replace its annual crude consumption of over 500 million tonnes within 20 years.
With solar power set to become the country’s largest energy source by 2026, China must expand its photovoltaic (PV) installations at an annual rate of 500–700 gigawatts to meet domestic and global climate goals, Liu said.
He also called for stronger state support for China’s dominant "new three products" industries—photovoltaics, lithium-ion batteries, and new energy vehicles—which account for significant shares of the global market. By late 2024, China is expected to control 85% of global PV production, 79.8% of lithium-ion battery output, and 70.4% of new energy vehicle manufacturing.
To accelerate energy transition and counter international trade barriers, Liu urged greater cross-border information sharing, faster customs clearance, and increased investment in renewable energy across Belt and Road Initiative nations.
While China’s renewable energy capacity has surged—reaching 886 gigawatts of installed solar power last year—Liu warned that inadequate power grid infrastructure remains the biggest obstacle. He called for rapid expansion of ultra-high-voltage transmission systems and the integration of AI with energy storage and electric vehicles to modernize China's power networks.
With these advancements, Liu said China could achieve carbon neutrality by 2050—up to a decade ahead of its official 2060 target—while shifting from real estate to renewable energy as a key driver of economic growth.
Source: The Star
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
