China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) has made known its plans to encourage the high-quality development of the domestic energy sector by putting in place a series of initiatives to ensure energy security, advance the adoption of clean and low-carbon technologies, increase self-sufficiency in scientific and technological advancements, facilitate innovative institutional practices, and strengthen international cooperation.
At a recent news conference, NEA chairman Zhang Jianhua listed five plan components that will be implemented over the ensuing years. Maintaining energy security through expanded coal, oil, and gas exploration, storage, and production is one of the essential measures. The country aims to maintain a domestic crude oil output of 200 million tonnes and a minimum level of 50% natural gas self-sufficiency.
China intends to increase the use of non-fossil energy alternatives, such as wind power, solar power, hydropower, bioenergy, nuclear energy, and hydrogen energy, to promote clean and low-carbon transition. Over the next five years, the nation wants to increase the share of non-fossil energy in overall energy consumption by one percentage point annually. By 2035, non-fossil sources will be responsible for 80% of the country’s power growth, and by 2050, they will control most of the energy market. There will be efforts to increase the industrial and supply chains’ stability and safety in the energy sector. The nation will strengthen core industrial chains, expand the supply of domestic technology, and encourage independence and control over essential machinery.
Legislative initiatives will be bolstered with a focus on institutional innovation to unleash industrial vigor. Energy legislation will be passed to encourage the industry’s growth, and the rules governing electricity, coal, and renewable energy sources will be updated. Energy cooperation is a key component of the Belt and Road Plan. According to sources in the local media, China wants to strengthen its partnerships with other rising economies and collaborate more mutually advantageously with resource- and energy-rich countries.
Overall, the five-pronged strategy is anticipated to encourage sustainable and clean energy use while boosting the nation’s energy security.
