China has unveiled a proposal for a $50 trillion global electricity network that would help fight pollution and the effects of climate change.

The plan envisions linking existing and future solar farms, wind turbines and electricity plants in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, according to the head of State Grid Corporation of China.

The proposal is in its initial stages and would require huge investment from around the world. If it goes ahead, it would be the world's largest infrastructure project. It could be operational by 2050, according to backers.

The planet faces "three major challenges" of energy scarcity, environmental pollution and climate change, state-run news agency Xinhua News Agency quoted the firm's chairman Liu Zhenya as saying at an international energy conference on Wednesday.

The Chinese firm's proposal is ambitious but possible, according to Xue Jiancong, energy analyst at China Merchants New Energy Group, a leading renewable energy company.

"It's a brilliant plan," he said. "It might encounter difficulties during construction but it's possible."

Xue added: "Reducing carbon emissions is a global issue and as a great power, China is taking on more responsibility. This plan is good news for the world."

Source : http://www.nbcnews.com/business/energy/china-unveils-proposal-50-trillion-global-electricity-network-n548376

Publish date: 05 April, 2016