69novels Chapter 383: Oil Crisis
Chapter 383: Oil Crisis
As time went by, Li Yang's new energy development plan progressed steadily. Solar panels in the desert continuously transmitted electricity to all parts of the country, huge windmills in wind power stations rotated in the sea breeze, and the dams of hydropower stations stood tall above the rivers, providing stable and clean electricity.
At the same time, Li Yang did not relax the development and utilization of oil. Under his command, many oil fields have entered a stable production stage, and a large amount of crude oil is transported to refineries across the country through pipelines and converted into various high-value-added chemical products.
"Mr. Li, we have signed several large oil orders." A staff member in charge of business excitedly reported, "The other party is willing to sell us a large amount of crude oil at a relatively favorable price."
"Very good." Li Yang nodded, "Arrange transportation immediately to ensure that the crude oil can reach the country as soon as possible."
The staff left quickly, but Li Yang's eyes turned to the distant sky. He knew that these crude oils would become an important support for the country's industrial development, but he knew that oil was only a short-term response measure, and the development of new energy was the fundamental way.
In the northwest desert, the laying of solar panels is nearing completion. Large panels are neatly arranged in the desert, like an endless black ocean. The sunlight shines on the panels, reflecting the bright light, as if the whole earth is shining.
"Engineer Li, the power supply in this area is already very sufficient." An engineer in charge of power grid dispatching said excitedly, standing next to a panel. "In addition to meeting local needs, we can also transmit electricity to other areas through the power grid."
"Moreover, the laying of these panels has brought unexpected benefits." Another expert in charge of ecological research added, "Because the panels block the sunlight and reduce water evaporation, the environment of this desert is gradually improving. We have found new vegetation around the panels."
Li Yang could not help but feel relieved when he heard these words. He knew that the development of new energy can not only provide clean energy for the country, but also leave a better ecological environment for future generations.
"We will continue to move towards the northwest," Li Yang said solemnly, "We will build more solar power generation bases in deserts and Gobi deserts across the country to bring new vitality to these originally barren lands."
At the same time, the hydropower stations and wind power projects promoted by Li Yang across the country are also in full swing. In several famous river basins, huge dams have taken shape, and engineers are carrying out subsequent construction in an intense and orderly manner. Huge mechanical equipment roars, and thousands of workers are busy on the construction site, as if a magnificent painting is slowly unfolding.
"Engineer Li, the construction of these hydropower stations is progressing very smoothly." A project manager reported to Li Yang with a proud look on his face, "Once all completed, they will not only provide a large amount of electricity for the country, but also effectively regulate water resources and improve the local ecological environment."
"The construction of a hydropower station is a systematic project." Li Yang nodded, "We must ensure that every link is foolproof, especially safety and environmental protection, which must be strictly controlled."
At the same time, wind power projects in the southeastern coastal areas and the northwest plateau are also being promoted at full speed. Huge windmills rotate in the wind, continuously converting wind energy into electrical energy and transmitting it to thousands of households.
"The advantage of wind power generation is not only its cleanliness, but also its sustainability." Li Yang stood under a windmill, looking up at the huge blades spinning in the wind, and said thoughtfully, "We want to completely get rid of our dependence on oil through these projects and lay a solid foundation for the country's future."
However, Li Yang's large-scale new energy development plan naturally attracted widespread attention from the international community. Many countries were puzzled by Yan Guo's choice, and there were even voices of ridicule and doubt.
"They are wasting time and resources." A Western energy expert did not hide his contempt in a TV interview. "Oil is currently the most economical and effective energy source. It is extremely stupid for Yan to abandon oil and turn to these immature new energy sources."
“Yeah,” another expert agreed, “They may think they are ahead of the times, but in fact, this will only put them at a disadvantage in future competition.”
“By then, they will find that the so-called new energy is nothing but castles in the air, and oil is the cornerstone of economic development.” The third expert sneered.
The international community has been ridiculing and questioning him, but Li Yang doesn't care. He knows that the trend of history will not change because of a few ridicules, and the truth will always be in the hands of a few people. He firmly believes that he is on the right path.
"They will understand." Li Yang stood in front of the laboratory window, looking firmly at the new energy project under construction in the distance, "In the future, Yan Country will surely stand out in this energy revolution."
As time went by, Li Yang's new energy development plan gradually bore fruit. Solar panels in the desert continuously transmitted electricity to all parts of the country, huge windmills at wind power stations rotated in the sea breeze, and the dams of hydropower stations stood majestically above the rivers, providing stable and clean electricity.
……
Just as Li Yang was leading his team to fully promote new energy projects, a storm sweeping the world quietly arrived.
The fourth war broke out, the conflict escalated rapidly, and the flames of war spread to the entire region. The dark cloud of war not only shrouded this hot land, but also cast a haze on the global economy.
On October 10, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced an oil embargo and a sharp increase in crude oil prices. This decision was like a bombshell, instantly detonating the global energy market.
Li Yang stood in front of the office window, looking at the distant skyline, frowning. Although he had expected this day to come, he still felt heavy when the crisis really came.
"Finally here." Li Yang whispered to himself, with a complex look flashing in his eyes.
……
Far across the ocean, in Washington, D.C., in the Oval Office, the enemy's chief was holding an emergency meeting with a group of senior officials. The room was filled with a tense atmosphere, and everyone's face was filled with worry.
"Gentlemen, the situation is much worse than we thought." The Secretary of State pushed up his glasses and said in a heavy voice, "OPEC's embargo has begun to have a serious impact on our economy. Oil prices have more than doubled in just a few days and are still rising."
The commander-in-chief's face was terribly gloomy. He slammed the table and roared: "Damn it! How could we let ourselves get into this situation? Is there no way to turn the situation around?"
"I'm afraid it will be difficult in the short term, Mr. President." Energy Secretary John Love shook his head, his tone full of helplessness, "Our oil reserves are simply not enough to cope with this crisis. If the situation continues to deteriorate, we may have to implement energy rationing."
When the commander-in-chief heard this, he seemed to have aged ten years in an instant. He sighed deeply and looked at everyone present. "So, what is the situation in other countries?"
Intelligence officer Mark Johnson flipped open the documents in his hand and began to report: "The situation in Europe and Japan is just as bad, or even worse than ours. They are more dependent on Middle Eastern oil than we are. But..." He suddenly paused, with a confused expression on his face.
"But what?" the commander-in-chief asked with a frown.
"But there is one country that doesn't seem to be affected too much, and that's Yan." Johnson's tone was a little unbelievable, "According to our intelligence, Yan not only did not experience a serious energy shortage, but seemed to be confident."
"How is it possible?" The commander-in-chief stood up suddenly, a trace of shock flashed in his eyes, "How did they do it?"
……
Just as the country was in chaos, Li Yang was presiding over an important meeting in a spacious and bright conference room in the capital of Yan State. The room was filled with heads of various departments, and everyone's face was a little nervous, but more of anticipation.
"Comrades," Li Yang said in a steady and powerful voice, "As we expected, the oil crisis has already broken out. However, we do not need to be afraid. We have made full preparations."
He pressed the remote control, and a series of data and charts immediately appeared on the large screen in the conference room. "First, our new energy projects have achieved initial results. The total power generation of solar energy, wind energy and hydropower can already meet nearly 30% of the domestic electricity demand. This proportion is still increasing."
Energy Minister Zhang Guoqiang, who was sitting in the front row, nodded and added, "Yes, Mr. Li. Moreover, our large-scale solar power stations in the northwest have begun to connect to the grid. We expect that this proportion will increase by another 10 percentage points by the end of the year."
Li Yang smiled with satisfaction and continued, "Secondly, the large amount of crude oil reserves we purchased earlier also came in handy. According to the latest statistics, our strategic oil reserves are enough to support domestic demand for two years."
Hearing this, the officials present couldn't help but gasp. Two years of reserves is an astonishing number worldwide.
"But, comrades," Li Yang's expression suddenly became serious, "we cannot just be content with responding to the crisis. This crisis is also our opportunity. We must seize this opportunity to further promote our new energy strategy and at the same time, occupy a favorable position in the international market."
Li Yang looked at everyone present and continued, "I suggest that we sell a portion of our crude oil reserves at a high price to countries that are in urgent need of oil. This will not only earn a lot of foreign exchange for the country, but also further consolidate our position in the international energy market."
There was a chorus of approval in the meeting room. Finance Minister Liu Zhiqiang said excitedly: "Mr. Li, this is a great idea! According to the current international oil prices, we can definitely make a lot of money."
However, Foreign Minister Wang Lixin frowned: "Mr. Li, will this arouse resentment from the international community? After all, it seems immoral to take advantage of others' difficulties."
Li Yang smiled slightly, with a glimmer of wisdom in his eyes: "Minister Wang, you are right. However, we are not taking advantage of their misfortune, but helping them through the difficult times. We can appropriately lower the price, about 10% lower than the international market price. In this way, they can feel our goodwill and create considerable benefits for the country."
Wang Lixin's eyes lit up after hearing this, and he nodded repeatedly: "Mr. Li is smart! This way we can really achieve the best of both worlds."