Amidst the grandeur of the parade celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the “New China”, hidden amongst the marching soldiers and formidable tanks and colorfully-attired dancers, a symbol of the determination of China to forge ahead with its renewable energy programs rolled past.
A float carrying the sculptures of windmills and oil reserve containers, as well as a banner reading “Striving to develop clean energy,” moved slowly past Tian’anmen Square, surrounded by energy workers who enthusiastically waved and carried large solar panels.
Just a week earlier, President Hu had promised at the United Nations General Assembly to vigorously develop renewable energy, and to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy use in China to around 15 percent by 2020.
One can only hope China pursues this goal just as effectively and successfully as it masterminded the spectacular parade and evening gala.
