BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi, a 25-year-old from Turkmenistan, has been focusing on energy studies in China for about seven years.
"I hope to convert the form of carbon dioxide and use it to replace unnatural cooling medium, to make the extraction and utilization of underground energy more environmentally friendly and efficient," said Sapargeldi. "This is my green energy dream."
Born by the sea and desert, Sapargeldi grew up with a special affection for oil and gas fields. After graduating from high school, he was enrolled in China University of Petroleum-Beijing in 2015, majoring in petroleum engineering.
Sapargeldi said he had long been looking forward to visiting China. "When I participated in many international competitions in high school, I found all Chinese students were outstanding and could always get high scores. Also, I felt China is quite advanced, and Chinese will become a world language, so I came here," he explained.
After arriving in China, Sapargeldi felt he met this country too late. "I quickly adapted to everything," he said. "Everything here is in line with my lifestyle, so I have a strong sense of belonging."
"Even my habit of drinking hot water is quite like that of the locals," he said. "China seems to be my second hometown and I feel I have come to the right place."
Although Sapargeldi has been in China for about seven years, he is still often surprised by the rapid changes in the country. He marvels at the rapid development in areas including smart transportation, mobile network, modern buildings and information technology.
China's hard efforts in ecological protection also make a dramatic impression on him. "In recent years, the government has carried out a series of policies to reduce emissions, bringing about more days with blue skies and white clouds," Sapargeldi said.
Witnessing the transformation of China's energy conservation and emission reduction, Sapargeldi continued his further study in China after graduation and changed his research field from petroleum to renewable energy. He began studying at Peking University toward a doctorate in 2020, embarking on his research concerning carbon dioxide.
Hailing China's green development cause, Sapargeldi said the country has vigorously adjusted its industrial structure, accelerated the low-carbon and clean transformation of energy, and increased the use of renewable energy. It has made positive contributions to the world's emission reduction efforts in recent years.
Data released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment showed the carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in 2021 decreased by 50.8 percent compared with that in 2005, and the proportion of non-fossil energy in energy consumption reached 16.6 percent, reversing the rapid growth of carbon dioxide emissions.
"I have always been optimistic about China. China always fulfills its promise with an open and active attitude," Sapargeldi said.
"I wish to continue my study and life in China," he said. "I hope I can help my country and China to realize the carbon peak and carbon neutrality with my study and knowledge, and I could also be a bridge of cultural exchanges." ■
