Hydropower as a Renewable Energy Source in China: producers, state policy and market forces

26/03/2010 - 13:45

26 March 2010
13.45 - 15.00 hrs

Energy Programme Asia Lecture by Prof. Dr. Eduard B. Vermeer,  Department of Contemporary Chinese History, Turku University, Finland and director of the Centre for East Asian Studies, Turku University, Finland Chair & discussant: Dr. Mehdi Amineh

Venue: GSSS, Prins Hendrikkade 189-B, Room C, Amsterdam

In this lecture, Eduard Vermeer will analyse the adoption and current implementation of electricity policies in China, with particular attention to hydropower. Hydropower is responsible for 14 percent of electricity generation and the main source of renewable energy for many years to come. Many factors, such as rising fossil fuel prices, concerns over global warming, developmental goals for west China and the creation of a national power grid contribute to its development. However, the difficulties of comprehensive water resource management and environmental and resettlement concerns have created political barriers and thereby planning uncertainties, that have slowed down the expansion of hydropower in recent years. At present, there is considerable tension between long-term policy goals of China’s government and power companies and the processes of implementation.    

This lecture is organised within the Energy Programme Asia (EPA) Lecture Series 2010: Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges to Energy Security for China and the European Union

Information
Dr Mehdi P. Amineh
EPA Programme Director
International Institute for Asian Studies
T +31 20 525 4567
m.p.amineh@uva.nl