Carbon neutrality implies achieving a net result of zero greenhouse gas emissions, that is, emitting the same amount of gases into the atmosphere that is absorbed through other means and this can be achieved thanks to photovoltaic and wind energy.

An international study, in which Spanish scientists participated, has developed the method that China should follow to achieve carbon neutrality in 2060 through photovoltaic and wind energy. Carbon neutrality implies achieving a net result of zero greenhouse gas emissions, that is, emitting the same amount of gases into the atmosphere that is absorbed by other means.

The country has set a goal of reaching its peak carbon dioxide emissions in 2030 and from there reducing emissions until reaching neutrality by 2060. To achieve this, China needs to increase photovoltaic and wind energy by 2060.

What is the strategy for China to achieve carbon neutrality?

An international work published in the journal Nature indicates the optimal strategy for China to effectively achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2060. The study, led by researcher at Fudan University (China) Rong Wang, offers a method that takes into account different variables and their combination to reach the objective.

The variables included are the optimal location of new photovoltaic plants and wind turbines, seasonal patterns, hours of wind and sunlight available, the construction period of new plants and electricity transmission lines, modernization of technology, the learning ratio of technical personnel, energy storage, costs and the necessary investment, among others.

The authors explain that, by individually optimizing the deployment of 3,844 new commercial-scale photovoltaic and wind power plants, China can increase its photovoltaic and wind energy capacity to 15 PWh-year (petawatt hours-year) in 2060, a power that would allow it to reach carbon neutrality. Likewise, it would reduce the average cost of a ton of carbon dioxide from 97 to 6 dollars.

To achieve this, the Chinese government must increase investment in clean energy, optimize energy loads, and strengthen the construction of transportation and storage facilities, such as long-range ultra-high-voltage transmission lines and pumped hydroelectric plants.

Specifically, they estimate that annual investment in photovoltaic and wind energy should increase from $77 billion in 2020 to $127 billion annually in the 2020-2030 decade, and to $426 billion annually in the 2050s.