What problems can the global energy internet solve?

China Energy Storage Network : Experts agree that in order to meet the challenge of climate change, we must switch from fossil fuels to clean energy. A large amount of scientific research data and millions of people who need energy to escape poverty reflect the urgency of this task.

In fact, we already have the solutions we need to move from the fossil fuel-driven industrial age established in the 18th century to the post-industrial era of clean energy. We can even foresee a cleaner, healthier and safer future: the rise of renewable energy, electrification of transportation and zero emissions. Buildings, sustainable agriculture, smart technology and other drivers of the circular economy can all be connected and powered by clean energy. Currently, thousands of people, companies and investors from all walks of life are working hard towards this goal.

However, the transition to clean energy is painfully slow. Despite some substantial progress, time is unfortunately not on our side. The reason is simple: we are moving too slowly. Carbon pricing efforts based on the principle of "polluter pays" are only beginning to gain initial political support, and new energy solutions are often not widely adopted due to the huge obstacles caused by existing energy systems and infrastructure.

In order to achieve the goal of limiting the global average temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius, which was agreed by governments at the United Nations Paris Climate Change Conference in December last year, the global clean energy installed capacity needs to reach 34TW by 2050, with a cumulative investment of more than 100 trillion US dollars. By then, clean energy will account for 80% of total energy use, replacing the equivalent of 24 billion tons of coal, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70 billion tons.

This is both a challenge and an opportunity, which is why we need to start investing now in a new global energy infrastructure that can transmit electricity over long distances with low losses, bringing renewable energy from resource-rich areas to where it is needed, while also allowing for smart distribution.

The technology to achieve this goal already exists and has been proven to be feasible. We only need to look at the development of China's ultra-high voltage transmission system in recent years to understand its potential. China's State Grid has successfully built long-distance transmission lines, transmitting more than 150 billion kWh of electricity per year. Similar projects are being built not only in China, but also in other countries and regions around the world.

To promote the use of UHV technology, smart grid technology and clean energy technology, a global action plan called Global Energy Internet (GEI) has been created. GEI was first introduced to heads of state and international organizations at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Summit last September, and then introduced at the Paris Climate Summit. The Global Energy Internet is expected to solve three interrelated problems: providing energy to the poor, reducing pollution and scaling up clean energy.

At present, a series of activities including research projects are underway. I believe that the Global Energy Internet will drive innovation and accelerate the transformation of post-industrial society. We should also note that for a more prosperous, clean and secure tomorrow, it is crucial to create a good political environment for the construction of the Global Energy Internet.

We should understand that clean energy is achievable in the future and is accessible now. We should believe that achieving this goal is not out of reach. But now, it is more important that we act immediately. (Xinhuanet)