China aims to basically establish a clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient new energy system by 2030, according to a plan recently issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration.
The plan, which covers the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), sets out targets for strengthening energy security, advancing the green transition, boosting technological self-reliance and improving market mechanisms, among others.
By 2030, China’s total energy production capacity will reach 5.8 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent. At the same time, the power system’s capacity for complementary support, security and resilience will see comprehensive improvements, according to the plan.
The plan also says that coal and oil consumption should peak, non-fossil energy should account for 25 per cent of total energy consumption, and wind and solar power should make up more than 50 per cent of the country’s total installed power generation capacity, becoming the mainstay of installed capacity.
Non-fossil energy is also expected to contribute 50 per cent of total power generation by 2030, becoming the main source of electricity, the plan says.
China will accelerate the construction of a new energy infrastructure system that is strong and resilient, green and low-carbon, integrated, intelligent and efficient. A new power system is also expected to be basically established by 2030.
The plan aims to make key technologies and equipment in the energy industrial chain largely self-reliant and controllable, while positioning China at the forefront of global energy technology innovation.
It also calls for faster improvement of market and pricing mechanisms suited to the new energy system, with a unified national electricity market system to be basically established.
The plan also stresses optimisation of fossil energy production bases, better alignment between energy development and energy-consuming industries, and continued expansion of diversified energy import channels.
China has set the dual carbon goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
The country has built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, providing stronger support for its green and low-carbon transition.
