A cabinet-level ministry of energy is to be set up, according to an official report, with the top leadership seemingly having reached consensus after years of debate.
The Central Establishment Office was carrying out preparatory work for the agency following a suggestion from the Ministry of Finance and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Xinhua said yesterday.
In a research report on the nation's electricity administration, co-authored by the World Bank, the two central agencies suggested a ministry be set up as soon as possible.
It is the first time central government organs have proposed forming a ministerial agency to manage energy policy, despite similar calls from industry figures and economists over the years.
The report said the issue could not be finalised until next year's National People's Congress session, as the ministry's formation would require the approval of the national parliament.
Calls for an energy ministry have gained momentum recently, with delegates attending the annual NPC session this month joining the chorus.
