The Status and Prospects of Energy in China to 2005

Abstract

China's principal indigenous energy resources are: coal 800 billion tonne, hydroelectricity potential 680 GW, petroleum 60-80 billion tonne and large reserves of natural gas. Modernization of the country since 1949 has resulted in a 10% annual growth rate in the production of fossil fuels and hydroelectricity to make China third in a world ranking (912 Mtce in 1987). Forecasts for consumption in the next century are based on quadrupling industrial and agricultural production. Total demand is expected to be as high as 1450 Mtce. Coal will remain the chief source and by then nuclear is expected to contribute. Offshore oil development is receiving much attention and foreign partners are sought for its development.