China's climate drive puts renewable energy at the forefront

摘要

CHINA has unveiled ambitious domestic renewable energy initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions and make progress on its carbon neutrality pledges. Natural gas will remain key in the energy mix of the world's second-largest energy consumer, however, before new renewables will play a significant role. China is now planning for long-term structural change in its energy system, with diverse energy sources to help mitigate the effects of climate change. He Jiankun, deputy director of the National Expert Committee on Climate Change, says that to reshape the system, China will curb the expansion of energy-intensive industries such as iron, steel and petrochemicals, while promoting energy conservation and reducing energy intensity. He adds that China has outlined a plan that will allow renewable energy to supply 25% of its total energy consumption by 2030. Demand for coal, which constitutes more than 50% of China's energy consumption mix, is expected to peak by 2025, while demand for oil is expected to peak five years later, He Jiankun says.