· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Financial Times or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs), once considered inefficient "dinosaurs," are making a significant shift towards green energy
• This transformation is aiding China in progressing towards energy independence and advancing in clean technologies
🔭 The context: This shift is partly driven by President Xi Jinping’s 2020 climate pledges, with China aiming to peak CO₂ emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060
• The SOEs, which contribute 66% to China's GDP, are leveraging their scale and resources to develop renewable energy, especially in remote areas
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: China's pivot towards renewable energy is significant given its status as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases
• The investment in renewables and rapid transport electrification suggest that China may reach its emissions peak before 2030
⏭️ What's next: Chinese SOEs are increasingly investing in new technologies, including start-ups, indicating a more innovative approach
💬 One quote: "Reliability is the most important thing. They don’t want to make their portfolios too risky," (Simeng Deng, Rystad Energy)
📈 One stat: Renewable energy share in China's electricity generation increased from 29% in 2013 to about 50% in 2023
Click for more news covering the latest on environmental sustainability
