China to set up green pilot programmes in 100 cities as it chases carbon-peaking, net-zero targets
- The country has announced the first batch of 35 pilot projects in 15 provinces as it sets up green programmes in 100 cities
- The pilot programmes and relevant policy mechanisms are expected to crystallise in 2025, and are expected to make significant progress by 2030
China will set up pilot programmes in 100 cities and industrial estates nationwide as the world’s biggest polluter works its way towards its 2030 carbon peaking targets, a move which analysts expect will drive demand for low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency-enhancing equipment and services.
The first batch of 35 pilots in 15 provinces includes those in Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, and Henan provinces, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), mainland China’s central economic planner said on Monday.
“The focus is on removing the bottlenecks in green and low-carbon development, stimulating local initiative and creativity,” NDRC said.
The pilot projects have been developed with the objectives of proposing carbon-peaking pathways for cities and industrial zones based on their resource endowments and development levels while advocating feasible and replicable practices with a view to achieving carbon-neutral goals, according to NDRC.
The pilot programmes and relevant policy mechanisms are expected to crystallise in 2025, and are expected to make significant progress by 2030, the year China aims to peak greenhouse gas emissions nationwide.