At the National Energy Work Conference held on December 15, China outlined key measures to accelerate the transformation of its energy system toward a greener, low-carbon future.
From NDRC
At the National Energy Work Conference held on December 15, China outlined key measures to accelerate the transformation of its energy system toward a greener, low-carbon future. These include refining policies for the integration and regulation of renewable energy, facilitating stable participation in electricity markets and ensuring reasonable returns on renewable energy investments. Market mechanisms will be established to accommodate innovative technologies such as new energy storage systems, virtual power plants, and smart microgrids, while enhancing the capacity of power distribution networks to support renewable energy.
Additionally, a new mechanism will replace the current dual control system focused on energy consumption with one targeting carbon emissions. The renewable energy consumption responsibility weighting system will also be improved to encourage adoption, and efforts will be made to foster the high-quality development of the green certificate market.
China has made significant strides in energy security and green development in 2024. Energy self-sufficiency: The national energy self-sufficiency rate has remained above 80%. Power capacity growth: Total installed power generation capacity reached approximately 3.32 billion kilowatts, with electricity generation surpassing 10 trillion kilowatt-hours marking a 5.7% year-on-year increase.Renewable energy expansion: Over 300 million kilowatts of new renewable energy capacity were added, accounting for more than 85% of total new capacity.Wind and solar leadership: Wind and solar power installations reached 1.35 billion kilowatts, achieving China’s 2030 Climate Ambition Summit target six years ahead of schedule.
China’s energy transformation has delivered new results, with several key developments:Large-scale wind and solar bases: The first batch of large wind and solar power projects has been completed and put into operation. Desertification control and clean energy integration: Projects in the "Three North" region (northeastern, northern, and northwestern China) are integrating renewable energy development with desertification control, including the implementation of the “Harnessing Wind in Thousands of Villages” initiative.
Capacity and efficiency gains: Total installed wind power capacity now stands at 510 million kilowatts, while solar power capacity has reached 840 million kilowatts. Utilization rates for both exceed 95%.
Charging infrastructure expansion: Nationwide, more than 12 million charging units have been installed, and over 95% of highway service areas now provide charging facilities.
These efforts reflect China’s commitment to strengthening energy security and advancing its transition to green and low-carbon energy, paving the way for sustainable development and the achievement of its climate objectives.