In 1989, China became the world's largest coal producer. Coal has risen in importance and now provides three-quarters of the nation's primary energy. Rather than wean China off coal totally, officials have begun work to burn it more efficiently, cleanly, and in nonurban areas, hopefully by 2010. Dozens of old coal-fired plants have been closed while new and cleaner ones are being built near coal mines and in two of the most heavily polluted regions. Coal prices were set free of government controls in 1994.
Plans call for turning coal into gas, greatly reducing emissions.
And in April, construction starts on a long-distance pipeline to bring natural gas from the northwest to Lanzhou, the world's most polluted city. Lng, more expensive but cleaner than coal, could command 6 percent of China's energy mix in the next decade. Importing energy is a difficult choice for a nation that values self-reliance. But since 1993, China has been a net importer of liquid fuel. Such steps by China are not only worth watching, but supporting.