Strategic Path for Energy Revolution in Northwest China in the New Era

Abstract

Both energy security and climate change are key challenges for China in the New Era. Northwest China, especially the Energy Golden Triangle area and Xinjiang, is playing a significant role in China’s energy supply owing to its rich energy resources. However, protecting the vulnerable ecosystems in this region becomes increasingly challenging; therefore, developing a performance improvement plan for energy revolution becomes urgent in this region. In this article, we first analyze the unique competencies and challenges regarding resource, industry, and location; considering the requirements of energy revolution, we propose that the Northwest China should be established as a national multi-energy integration technology demonstration base, a national coal-to-fuel strategic reserve base, and a national comprehensive energy supply base. As a strategic path for promoting energy revolution in Northwest China, multi-energy integration consists of three main themes and six demonstration measures. The three main themes are the clean and efficient use of fossil resources and coupling substitution, multi-energy complementarity and large-scale application of renewable energy, and the low-carbon and intelligent multi-energy integration. Adopting these measures, a Northwest China approach to energy revolution can be formed that is characterized by multi-power integration and led by energy technology revolution.