‘Two sessions’: coal at core of China’s power infrastructure even as Beijing pushes clean energy use, government work report shows
- China is determined to ensure its energy security following power shortages seen last year while also delivering on its climate commitments
- China must ‘continue to fight the battle to protect our blue skies, clear water and pure land’, Li Keqiang says
The research and development of clean and efficient use of coal will be one of the Chinese government’s key tasks for 2023, according to the government work report presented by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the beginning of the National People’s Congress’s (NPC) annual meeting on Sunday.
As of the end of last year, China had 1,050 gigawatts (GW) of ultra-low emission coal-fired capacity, according to the work report. Renewable energy installation also increased to more than 1,200GW, almost doubling the 650GW reported five years ago. Moreover, clean energy rose to comprise more than 25 per cent of China’s total energy consumption by last year from 20.8 per cent in 2017.
In the coming year, China will accelerate the construction of a new energy system focused on clean energy and work on other key tasks in support of its national climate goals, according to the work report.
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China's 'two sessions': Premier Li Keqiang emphasises achievements, economy in final work report
“We must improve policies to support green development, develop a circular economy, promote resource conservation and efficient utilisation, push energy conservation and carbon reduction in key areas, and continue to fight the battle to protect our blue skies, clear water and pure land,” Li said.
