When developing alternative energy sources, it is crucial not to follow trends blindly

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In recent years, international oil prices have remained high, prompting countries to pay increasing attention to alternative energy sources. In China, alternative energy sources are also seeing rapid development, with coal chemical industry being the most prominent example; both foreign and domestic investors are eager to get involved in this field. Faced with internal pressures and external constraints, how should China address the various issues in its energy development? Recently, a reporter interviewed Han Wenke, director of the Energy Research Institute under the National Development and Reform Commission. 　　China Times: Oil prices have once again crossed 100 dollars – how should China’s energy development strategy respond? 　　Han Wenke: At present, the contradiction between energy supply and demand in China has undergone significant changes. In its energy development strategy, China has given high priority to energy diversification, while continuously developing alternative energy sources. The development and utilization of renewable energy will increase the energy supply, improve the energy structure, and contribute to environmental protection. 　　From a long-term perspective, developing alternative energy sources is a crucial strategic measure to ensure **energy security**. China has established a strategic focus and development goals for renewable energy, and in recent years the intensity of various policies and macroeconomic incentives has been further increased. During the 11th Five-Year Plan period, a long-term framework for the development of alternative energy sources over 15–20 years will be established, along with a series of related supporting policies. 　　China Times: What are the key aspects of China’s development of alternative energy sources? 　　Han Wenke: Following the approach of replacing traditional energy sources with new energy sources, replacing scarce energy sources with those that have advantages, and replacing fossil fuel energy with renewable energy, the share of alternative energy sources in the energy structure should be increased gradually. Focus on developing vehicle fuels and petroleum alternatives, as well as advancing coal liquefaction, coal-based alcohols and ethers, olefins, etc ； Actively develop fuel ethanol and biodiesel ； Vigorously develop renewable energy sources such as biogas, solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and geothermal energy. 　　China Times: What is the current situation of investment in alternative energy sources in China? 　　Han Wenke: Since last year, various ministries and regulatory agencies, including the **Development and Reform Commission, the Energy Bureau, the Ministry of Finance, and the Environmental Protection Administration, have begun to actively formulate strategies for alternative energy, showcasing technological achievements and announcing future goals. 　　At the same time, high oil prices provide opportunities for the development of alternative energy sources. Various large state-owned energy enterprises, such as CNPC, CNOOC, Sinopec, and COFCO, are ambitious about the future development of alternative energy in China, with numerous new investment plans emerging one after another. These signs indicate that a new wave of development in alternative energy is emerging in our country. For example, a large amount of investment is currently flowing into the bioenergy industry, and there is a craze for seizing land in certain areas. 　　China Times: Will heavy investment in alternative energy lead to a new bubble? 　　Han Wenke: For China, which experiences rapid economic growth and continuous increases in energy consumption, improving energy efficiency and actively developing and utilizing alternative energy sources are inevitable choices to ensure energy security. However, when developing alternative energy sources, it is important not to follow trends blindly. 　　In the coming decades, renewable energy in China will see further development, and its share of the country’s total primary energy consumption will increase ainda more; it will become an important alternative energy source after coal, oil, and natural gas. 　　At present, the top priority is to increase investment in alternative energy sources in order to overcome technical barriers as soon as possible, while also avoiding blindness. For example, biological alternative fuels currently show a tendency to develop in a reckless manner. Without technological breakthroughs, there will be no significant progress in alternative energy strategies.