Building large-scale energy bases is beneficial in the long run

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According to China Petroleum Network, reporters learned on the 4th from the ongoing National Energy Work Conference that this year **efforts to build large-scale energy bases will continue to accelerate. The construction of large coal bases, large coal-fired power plants, as well as major energy projects are all included among the key priorities of the Energy Bureau for 2009. In 2008, **efforts were intensified to build large-scale energy bases. Throughout the year, several major projects begin or are completed. These include: the construction of a 3.6 million kilowatt lignite-fired power plant in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia ； The completion inspection of the Lianghuai coal base was finalized, making it the first coal base with an output of 100 million tons among China’s 13 large-scale coal bases to undergo such inspection ； The largest coal, power, and chemical project cluster to commence construction simultaneously in Ningdong ； In addition, a number of large-scale oil refining projects have been built. ??China’s energy sector faces some deep-seated contradictions; among them, the issue of extensive development is particularly prominent. There are a large number of small thermal power plants, small coal mines, and small refineries, and energy resources are overly dispersed. As a result, energy supply often becomes strained in the face of market fluctuations. ??Taking the coal industry as an example, there are still 14,000 small coal mines across the country, with an average capacity of only 180,000 tons. Building large-scale coal or coal-fired power bases is an important means of achieving complementary advantages in resources, improving energy security, and enhancing energy supply capacity. ”**Zhang Guobao, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission and director of the **Energy Bureau, said at the meeting. ??It is reported that **this year, efforts will be made to accelerate the development of large-scale coal power bases in major coal-producing areas, integrated coal fields, and regions where coal with low calorific value is abundant. Coal-fired power integration projects that meet the standards will be approved on a priority basis. Specifically, in 2009, efforts will be made to advance the construction of coal-electricity integration projects in Hulunbuir and Ningdong, so as to gradually establish a power transmission capacity of 3 million kilowatts to Liaoning and 4 million kilowatts to Shandong ； Launch the Xilin Gol League coal-power integration project and the Shanxi coal-power base construction projects to supply electricity to load centers in North China, East China, and other areas ； Continue to advance the development of coal and power production bases in northern Shaanxi, the Lianghuai region, Guizhou, and other areas. ??In terms of the development of large-scale coal bases, focus will be placed on building the **13 planned large-scale coal bases in order to increase the proportion of coal produced by these large bases. Support the development of large groups, encourage cooperation across industries, regions, and ownership forms, and promote joint operations or integrated development in industries related to coal, electricity, transportation, ports, and chemicals. ??“The current growth in energy demand is slowing down, but this does not mean that energy project construction should be halted.” From the perspective of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, there is still significant room for growth in China’s energy demand. ”Zhang Guobao said. Maintaining steady and rapid economic growth is the top priority for economic work this year. In fact, the construction of **-type energy bases and major energy projects not only helps enhance China’s overall resilience in terms of energy supply, but also plays an important role in boosting domestic demand and sustaining economic growth. In November 2008, as part of the efforts to address the international financial crisis, the Energy Bureau approved and launched a number of energy projects that had a significant impact on the adjustment of the energy structure, doing so on an urgent basis. Among them, three nuclear power projects and 10 units with a capacity of 1 million kilowatts each can generate investment of 120 billion yuan ； The eastern section of the West-to-East Gas Pipeline Project II is 5,300 kilometers long, and it can drive investment in related industries amounting to 300 billion yuan. It is reported that this year, while advancing the development of large-scale coal bases and large-scale coal-fired power plants, the **Energy Bureau will also focus on promoting the construction of large-scale nuclear power facilities, projects to transport electricity from the west to the east, projects to transport gas from the west to the east, as well as upgrades to urban and rural power grids, in order to enhance the country’s capacity for independent innovation in energy technology and equipment. ??“These not only directly boost current investment and domestic demand to promote growth, but also avoid redundant construction, while helping to strengthen the long-term development momentum of the national economy.” ”Zhang Guobao said.