Nanfang Daily:

Recently, the State Council issued an action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction during 2024-25. Could you please provide us with an update on the progress made in promoting energy conservation and carbon reduction within the energy sector? What are the key measures planned moving forward? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

I would like to invite Mr. Li to answer this question.

Li Fulong:

Thank you for your question. The issue you have raised is very important. Energy conservation and carbon reduction are vital steps in actively and steadily achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, comprehensively advancing the Beautiful China Initiative, and promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Over the past decade, under the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping's new energy security strategy of "Four Reforms and One Cooperation," which focuses on energy consumption, supply, technology and system reforms and international cooperation, China has significantly improved its energy utilization efficiency, positioning itself as one of the world's leaders in reducing energy intensity. At the same time, we must recognize that China faces significant pressure from energy demand, and the challenges of energy conservation and carbon reduction are formidable. Currently, China's per capita energy consumption is only about two-thirds of the average level of OECD countries, and energy demand will continue to grow steadily in the foreseeable future. According to the requirements of balancing energy security and low-carbon transformation, we need to continue to make coordinated efforts from both the supply and consumption sides to promote energy conservation and carbon reduction with greater intensity.

On the one hand, we need to increase the supply of non-fossil energy on the supply side. This involves accelerating the construction of large wind power and photovoltaic bases, actively and safely developing nuclear power in an orderly manner, promoting offshore wind power development and construction, and coordinating the integrated development of hydropower, wind power, and photovoltaic power in major river basins. We also need to vigorously develop distributed renewable energy systems. Additionally, we will advance the construction of new energy infrastructure networks to improve the grid's ability to accept, allocate, and regulate clean energy. By 2030, 70% of the increase in energy consumption will be met by non-fossil energy.

On the other hand, we will enhance the level of green and low-carbon energy use on the consumption side. This includes supporting key industries in implementing energy conservation and carbon reduction measures, innovating energy supply and consumption models in industrial parks, and continuing to vigorously expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We will also take various measures to promote the electrification of sectors such as industry, construction, and transportation. By 2025, the electrification level of terminal energy consumption is expected to reach approximately 30%. We will continue to enhance the issuance of green certificates and strive to ensure green certificates are available for all renewable energy projects, including wind power, solar power, and biomass power, as early as possible. Additionally, we will enhance the green certificate trading mechanism to promote the expansion of green energy consumption across society. Thank you.