Turkmen student marvels at China

Amangeldiyev Sapargeldi, a 25-year-old from Turkmenistan, has been focused on energy studies in China for about seven years.

"I hope to convert carbon dioxide and use it to replace the artificial cooling medium (used in energy extraction) to make the extraction and use of underground energy resources more environmentally friendly and efficient," Sapargeldi said. "This is my green energy dream."

Born by the Caspian Sea in the desert, Sapargeldi grew up with a special affection for oil and gas fields. After graduating from high school in 2015, he enrolled in Beijing's China University of Petroleum, majoring in petroleum engineering.

Sapargeldi said he had long wanted to come to China.

"When I participated in international competitions in high school, all the Chinese students were outstanding and always got high scores. Also, I felt China was quite advanced, and that Chinese would become a world language, so I came here," he explained.

After arriving, Sapargeldi quickly adapted. "Everything here is in line with my lifestyle, so I have a strong sense of belonging," he said. "Even my habit of drinking hot water is similar. China feels like my second home, and I have come to the right place."

Although Sapargeldi has been in China for seven years, he is still surprised by the rapid changes and marvels at the speedy development in areas like smart transportation, mobile networks, modern buildings and information technology.

China's efforts in environmental protection have also made 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 energy conservation and emission reduction, he continued to study in China after graduating and changed his field from petroleum to renewable energy. He began studying for his doctorate at Peking University in 2020, embarking on research into 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. The nation has also made positive contributions to the world's emission reduction efforts in recent years.

Data released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment showed that carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP last year decreased by 50.8 percent compared with 2005, and the proportion of non-fossil energy reached 16.6 percent, reversing the rapid growth of carbon dioxide emissions.

"I have always been optimistic about China. It always fulfills its promises with an open and active attitude," Sapargeldi said. "I wish to continue my studies and life here. I hope I can help my country and China to achieve peak carbon and carbon neutrality through my studies, and that I can also serve as a bridge of cultural exchange."

Xinhua