German Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck highlighted the critical role of China in achieving global climate goals, emphasizing the need for the country to transition away from coal. Currently, coal makes up nearly 60 percent of China’s electricity supply, and its expansion of coal production for security reasons has been a significant challenge. However, Habeck acknowledged that China’s continued expansion of renewable energy capacity in 2023 demonstrated its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Habeck also stressed the importance of cooperation with China in addressing climate change, stating that without China’s participation, it would be challenging to meet climate targets worldwide. Despite this challenge, Habeck proposed innovative solutions such as expanding the power grid and utilizing batteries for energy storage to reduce dependence on coal-fired power plants. He emphasized that economic growth and climate action were not mutually exclusive, arguing that transitioning to a climate-neutral economy could lead to new opportunities for wealth and growth.
Habeck also acknowledged that integrating variable forms of energy such as wind and solar into a system designed for more predictable fuels could be challenging. However, he suggested expanding renewable energy sources such as photothermal power as an efficient approach to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like coal. By working together with China and embracing innovative energy solutions, Habeck believes it is possible to achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.
