New alternatives to tackle air quality problem

The issue of air quality has been frequently raised over the past few months. Both the government and citizens have begun to realize its urgency and are looking for new alternatives to tackle the problem.

Many parts of the country have been shrouded in a grey haze over the past few months.

One recent study shows that coal-burning and motor vehicle emissions make up 60 to 70 percent of the PM2.5 particles.

China's energy production relies heavily on coal-fired power stations. But as the country's air pollution worsens, many are calling for more efforts to develop alternative energies.

Solar thermal works by using energy that comes solely from the sun. Then it's transformed into heat energy that generates electricity.

Wang Zhifeng, Chairman of State Solar Thermal Energy Alliance, said, "It's very environmentally friendly. Even the mirrors used to direct the sun onto the receptors are made from materials that do no harm to the environment."

Solar thermal power plants have unique advantages over photovoltaic systems.

"During bad weather or at night, the heat storage system allows electricity output to continue even if the sun isn't shining. Also, this new energy source doesn't need expensive solar panels, so the cost is comparatively low." Wang said.

However, there are also some downsides...

"Alternative energy sources are important to ease the air pollution problem, but in the long run. Solar thermal projects in China are still in the experimental stages. It faces the obstacles of low efficiency and stability. Also, the lack of an industrial supply chain is also a problem ahead." Wang said.

But experts add, a potential market is likely to form in parts of northern and western China once the technology is more mature. But solar thermal energy can't solve all the air pollution problems on its own.

Another major smog contributor is motor vehicle emissions.

The country's auto sales hit more than 19 million units in 2012, but alternative fuel cars only made up 0.6-percent of those sales.

The government has enacted new policies, such as tax exemptions, to support the growth of alternative fuel vehicles. Consumers, however, still have their concerns.

"The cost of changing the battery is too expensive. It's hard for me to accept."

"I'm a bit concerned about the high maintenance cost in the future. Besides, the supporting facilities need to be built more comprehensively."

Though alternative fuel cars are barely on the radar at the moment, the country has set a target to have five million of them on its roads by 2020.