Expert: US can be important for China’s rising demand of cleaner fuels

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01:24

One thing that came out of the trade talks between China and the US is energy. China is already one of the biggest energy importers — importing natural gas and crude oil from countries like Russia, Australia and Qatar. And now, a new source — the United States.

The latest data shows that China has already imported 2.06 million tons of natural gas in the first quarter — up 37.3 percent year on year.

Professor Bao Wen from the Harbin Institute of Technology has over three decades of experience in energy related fields. He said that as China looks for cleaner fuels, the country is expected to continue opening-up its energy sector.

Professor Bao Wen [L] speaks with CGTN reporter on the campus of the Harbin Institute of Technology. /CGTN Photo

“Switching to cleaner fuels such as the natural gas drastically decreased air pollution, and local governments see the benefits of using natural gas. Therefore, the demand rises quickly — now more than the supply,” said Professor Bao.

Professor Bao is also pretty optimistic about the new energy cooperation forged between China and the US. He said that China’s huge population and robust economic growth demands that the country diversify its portfolio for energy imports, and the US’ rapidly growing shale gas industry could be an important source to help China meet its demand.