Belgian media hails China's investment in green energy as 'new dynamic'

BRUSSELS - China today is committed to tackling climate change and invests "thoroughly" in renewable energy, the Belgian daily Le Soir reported on Thursday.

In 2014, the Chinese government spent $89.5 billion on green energy, accounting for one third of global investments made in this sector, according to the report.

"Five years ago, the EU was the world leader for investment in renewable energy. But in 2013, China has become the No 1," said the daily quoting Jan De Putte, a Belgium energy specialist.

In China, "there is a very significant investment in wind power. The capacity of this sector increases by 10 gigawatts per year," according to De Putte.

As for the photovoltaic, China has planned to instore 17.8 gigawatts of photovoltaic cells in 2015. "China is undergoing an energy revolution," said the Belgian energy specialist.

In recent months, China has announced that China is aiming to peak its carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 or even earlier.

Beijing has also pledged to reduce the carbon intensity (C02 emissions per unit of gross domestic product) by 60 percent to 65 percent compared to 2005.

China will increase the proportion of its renewable energy in its energy production to 20 percent in 2030, against less than 10 percent in 2013, and increase its forest stock by 4.5 billion cubic meters compared to 2005.

"Unlike other countries, China has its ambitions and also the means to implement them at the national level," comments the daily quoting the Director General of WWF China, Sze Ping Lo.

"The Chinese government has a roadmap, including the legislative framework that will make these targets binding," he said.