Exploration and Development of Marine Renewable Energy in Fujian Province Towards Carbon Neutrality

^a Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
^b Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Coast and Island Management Technology, Xiamen, Fujian, 361013

^* E-mail address: yangwei@tio.org.cn

Abstract

To achieve peak carbon emission and carbon neutrality, marine renewable energy plays an essential role in energy transition in China’s coastal areas. Fujian Province is not only exposed to a shortage of traditional energy resources, but also urgently needs to change its current coal-based energy structure to reduce carbon emissions. In contrast to the scarcity of fossil fuels, Fujian Province has rich marine energy reserves, with an abundant supply of offshore wind, wave, tidal, and ocean current energy. Therefore, the active development of low-carbon and carbon-free marine energy can increase the energy supply and alleviate energy shortages. Furthermore, it can optimize the structure of the energy sector in this region. This study analyzed the energy structure of the Fujian Province, the effort needed to reach the carbon neutrality goal, the reserves of marine energy resources, the background of marine energy development technology, and socio-economic conditions. We believe that the development of the marine energy is a critical action towards solving the current energy resource limitations in Fujian and subsequently propose relevant suggestions for marine energy industry development in Fujian Province in terms of development ideas and pathways.