Song Hailiang, chairman of China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd (Energy China), has called for developing a modern energy system to achieve green and low-carbon transition.
Song, who is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body, made the proposal during the just-concluded annual two sessions.
CPPCC member Song Hailiang [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
“The western region is crucial to national development and stability. We must build a smart, efficient energy system and establish a new energy hub”, Song said.
It was highlighted in the Government Work Report that, in 2024, the non-fossil energy generation reached nearly 40 percent of the total. China has built the world’s largest and most comprehensive renewable energy industry chain.
Song suggested relocating energy-intensive industries to the west, expanding local use of renewable energy, and integrating electricity, heat, and hydrogen. He also called for promoting green industrial parks and new energy application models.
To accelerate progress on technological innovation, Song proposed increasing investment in energy technology, breaking through key areas like compressed air energy storage, and supporting pilot projects for renewable energy applications.
He emphasized the need to align energy infrastructure with emerging industries, advancing projects like “east data, west computing” and developing integrated wind-solar-storage-computing bases to reduce carbon emissions from data centers.
Recognizing the vast potential of renewable energy, Song emphasized the need to build a more systematic, efficient and intelligent energy system to support the continued expansion of renewables.
“Wind and solar power would maintain rapid growth in the coming years, unlocking major development opportunities. As large-scale renewable energy integration progresses, energy storage solutions—such as pumped hydro storage and advanced energy storage technologies—will see significant market demand,” Song said.
“Hydrogen energy is expected to complement electricity, playing a crucial role in the low-carbon transition.”
Song recommended a holistic approach to developing renewable power generation, heating and hydrogen production in resource-rich areas. He called for building a full industrial chain for green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and aviation fuel, as well as diversifying energy storage solutions.
He also stressed the importance of policy support, better project management, and incentive systems to encourage green energy adoption.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
