He is Associate Researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and Secretary General of the Shanghai Center for Organization and Cooperation. Lifan Li was recently appointed as a member of the team of energy experts of the China Task Force of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.
On June 22, 2005, Xi Jinping, then a leader of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee, stated that it is necessary to understand the strategic significance of developing a circular economy. He pointed out that the development of a circular economy is an inevitable choice for transforming the growth model, achieving sustainable development and is a key tool to meet the challenges of economic globalization and enhance international competitiveness. He proposed that China should develop renewable resource industries, strengthen resource recycling, adhere to scientific, technological and institutional innovation, improve the development level of a circular economy and promote the construction of a resource-saving and environment-friendly society.
Circular economy is the fundamental goal of a country’s sustainable development. The green cycle and low-carbon transformation of the energy industry is the key to the sustainable development of China’s economy and society. The rapid growth of the economy requires the support of cheap energy as well as the reduction of social burdens. Therefore, the transformation of energy structure must not only emphasize green but also economic benefits.
If China still needs to maintain an average annual economic growth rate of four to five percent over the next 30 years, the energy industry must be sufficient, safe, low-cost, and clean.