ADB 2013 report highlights China's energy challenge

China's rapid economic growth has been mirrored by big increases in energy consumption. The country has built thousands of extra power stations to provide electricity for all its new factories and growing cities. However, this has come with a high environmental cost, as pollution levels have soared. Our reporter Xie Sisi spoke with economists about the "2013 Asian development outlook" to explore how to ensure adequate, convenient and clean energy to meet development needs.

Rapid economic growth has come with a big environmental price tag. Niny Khor, an economist from the Asian Development Bank says the energy challenge facing China could impact its sustainable growth.

Niny Khor said, "China's development is very energy intensive. Improvement in energy efficiency could contribute to GDP growth."

Experts say developing nations have more limited choices when it comes to energy sources. Promoting economic growth requires cheap energy - and coal, the cheapest and most abundant source of energy for many countries - is often the first choice. Cheap coal means cheap electricity and a competitive economy.

Growing prosperity here will lift millions out of poverty, but it's coming at a drawing costs to the environment. It's becoming clear that to develop at the expense of over-depletion may lead to the deterioration of basic living conditions. Experts urge that China must develop clean energy, but it needs to minimize the costs and avoid the waste of funds and resources.