An Australian scientist, a winner of "Alternative Nobel Prize,"
has predicted solar energy will meet a quarter of human's kind's
energy demand by 2050.
The next 10 to 20 years would see a transition from using fossil
energy resources, such as natural gas, coal and oil, to renewable
resources, including solar, wind and biomass energy, said Martin
Green, a solar cell authority and recipient of the 2002 Right
Livelihood Award, usually referred to as "Alternative Nobel
Prize."
Energy transition would be the best solution to further offset
the negative impact of global climate change, which was caused by
using fossil fuels, the photovoltaic (PV) expert told a Nobel
laureate forum in Beijing.
Martin said the number of coal-fired power plants could be cut
by 15 percent around the world with the application of solar
heating.
Founded in Sweden in 1980, the Right Livelihood Awards were
introduced to "honor and support those offering practical and
exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing us
today".
Nine Nobel laureates and five world-renowned scientists,
including Robert Mundell, Edmund Phelps, Richard Schrock and Thomas
Schelling, are meeting from Sept. 11 to 14 to discuss energy
efficiency, solar energy and its market development, global warming
and the reduction in greenhouse gases with 600 Chinese scientists,
officials and experts in Beijing.
Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan told the opening forum that China would
vigorously promote energy conservation and emissions reduction to
tackle climate change and promote sustainable development.
The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top
planning body, issued a plan last week, articulating the aim of
using renewable resources for 15 percent of its energy consumption
in 2020 in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pursue
sustained economic growth.
The long-term plan would cost China two trillion yuan (US$266.7
billion).
(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2007)
