The difference between traditional energy and new energy

Traditional energy, also known as conventional energy, refers to the energy sources that have been widely used for a long time, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These are non-renewable resources that have played a key role in driving industrialization and societal development. However, their reserves are limited and they are becoming increasingly scarce over time.

China's traditional energy resources show a clear imbalance: it is rich in coal but relatively poor in oil and natural gas. China holds about 11.6% of the world’s total coal reserves, with an estimated total of 5.6 trillion tons, of which 10 billion tons are proven reserves—accounting for 11% of global reserves. In contrast, oil reserves make up only 2.4%, and natural gas accounts for just 1.2%. By the end of 2000, China had only 2.46 billion tons of remaining oil reserves, which was just 1.8% of the world's total. This scarcity has led to growing concerns about energy security.

Moreover, the heavy reliance on traditional energy sources comes with significant environmental consequences. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change, acid rain, smog, and air pollution. These issues not only harm human health but also negatively impact ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure. The long-term use of traditional energy can lead to irreversible ecological damage and economic losses.

In response to these challenges, new energy sources have emerged as a promising alternative. New energy, or unconventional energy, refers to renewable and sustainable forms of energy that are either newly developed or under active research. Examples include solar power, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass, ocean energy, and nuclear fusion. These energy sources are generally cleaner, more abundant, and less harmful to the environment.

China is well-positioned to develop its new energy potential. For instance, the country has vast wind energy resources, with an estimated 3.226 billion kilowatts of theoretical wind power and about 253 million kilowatts of technically exploitable capacity. In terms of nuclear energy, by the end of 2009, China had an installed nuclear capacity of 9.08 million kilowatts, with 11 operational units, contributing 70 billion kWh of electricity annually. Although still a small portion of the national energy mix, the growth of nuclear and other new energy sources shows a positive trend towards a more sustainable future.