On August 29, the State Council Information Office released the white paper *China's Energy Transition*. At the press conference held the same day, Zhang Jianhua, Minister of the National Energy Administration, and others introduced relevant information.  

 Energy Transition Investment Reached 676 Billion USD Last Year, Making Significant Contributions to Global Green Transition  

Zhang Jianhua stated that the white paper highlights China's practical achievements in energy transition, mainly reflected in four "news":  

- A new leap in clean energy development. By the end of 2023, the installed capacity of wind and photovoltaic power had increased tenfold compared to 10 years ago. Clean energy power generation accounted for 58.2% of total installed capacity, and newly added clean energy generation contributed more than half of the growth in全社会 electricity consumption, continuously increasing the "green" content of China's energy mix.  

- New results in clean and efficient energy utilization. Over the past decade, China has phased out more than 100 million kilowatts of backward coal-fired power capacity, and pollutant emissions from the power industry have decreased by over 90%. The electrification rate of terminal energy consumption across society reached 28%. Compared with 2012, energy consumption per unit of GDP has dropped by more than 26% cumulatively.  

- New breakthroughs in green energy technologies. A complete industrial chain for R&D, design, and manufacturing of wind and photovoltaic power has been established. China has fully mastered large-scale third-generation pressurized water reactors and fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor nuclear power technologies, and its hydropower industry chain leads the world.  

- New progress in energy system reform. A diversified energy market structure is gradually taking shape, along with an open and unified energy market system. An energy pricing mechanism reflecting market supply and demand is emerging, with the market playing an increasingly prominent role in improving clean energy absorption, ensuring power supply, and optimizing resource allocation.  

Wan Jinsong, Vice Minister of the National Energy Administration, noted that over the past 10 years, fixed-asset investment in the energy sector has totaled approximately 39 trillion yuan. Central budgetary investment in rural power grid upgrading exceeded 100 billion yuan, driving local governments and enterprises to increase investment. In 2015, China historically solved the problem of electricity access for all unelectrified populations.  

In 2023, China's energy transition investment reached 676 billion USD, making it the world's largest investor in energy transition. Wind and photovoltaic products exported in 2023 helped other countries reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 810 million tons. "China's new energy industry has not only enriched global supply and driven down global energy transition costs but also made significant contributions to global green transition and climate change response," Wan Jinsong emphasized.  


 "Dual Carbon" Goals Remain Unwavering; Preparatory Research for the 15th Five-Year Plan Underway  

China proposed in 2020 that the total installed capacity of wind and solar power would reach over 1.2 billion kilowatts by 2030. As of the end of July this year, the total installed capacity of wind and solar power had reached 1.206 billion kilowatts, achieving the target six years ahead of schedule.  

Li Chuangjun, Director of the New and Renewable Energy Department of the National Energy Administration, stated that China's commitment to the "dual carbon" goals remains firm. Based on national conditions, China will adhere to the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities, scientifically formulate new goals and measures, and contribute more to global climate change response and building a clean and beautiful world.  

Song Wen, Director of the Legal and Institutional Reform Department of the National Energy Administration, noted that achieving the "dual carbon" goals requires tremendous efforts. The energy industry is accelerating preparatory research for the 15th Five-Year Plan, aiming to promote high-quality development of new energy with greater intensity, advance green and low-carbon energy transition, and increase the share of non-fossil energy consumption by approximately 1 percentage point annually.  

The *Decision* of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee proposes to deepen the reform of the energy management system. Zhang Jianhua outlined plans to deepen energy reform, improve energy-related laws, strengthen planning guidance, and enhance energy supervision:  

- In deepening energy reform: Build a national unified electricity market system, expand the coverage of electricity spot markets, and further improve the optimal allocation of power resources. Establish and improve mechanisms for green and low-carbon development, and accelerate the cultivation of green electricity and green certificate markets. Improve policies for new energy absorption and regulation, and promote the safe, reliable, and orderly replacement of fossil energy with non-fossil energy. Push for the independent operation of natural monopoly segments and market-oriented reforms in competitive segments.  


 10.6 Million Charging Facilities; Total Approved, Operational, and Under-Construction Nuclear Power Units Rank First Globally  

Regarding concerns about electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Wan Jinsong highlighted efforts in "three improvements and two promotions":  

- Improving the policy system: Issued policies such as the Opinions on Further Enhancing Service Guarantee Capabilities of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure*, providing policy support and specific arrangements for planning, construction and operation, supporting power grids, and pricing incentives.  

- Improving the charging network: As of the end of July, the national total of charging facilities reached 10.6 million, effectively meeting the charging needs of over 25 million new energy vehicles. The public charging service radius in central urban areas of first-tier cities is now comparable to that of gas stations. Currently, 95% of expressway service areas have charging capabilities, and over one-third of provinces have extended charging facilities to all townships.  

- improving standards: A total of 106 standards for electric vehicle charging facilities have been issued, enhancing safety management of the industrial chain. China leads globally in high-power DC charging standards, with breakthroughs in wireless charging and charging roaming, forming a Chinese charging standard system alongside those of the United States, Europe, and Japan.  

- Promoting rapid upgrading of charging technologies: Multiple technical routes have been developed, including conductive charging, battery swapping, and wireless charging. DC charging power modules have fully achieved localization, with costs dropping by 90% in the past five years.  

- Promoting industrial ecology: Private enterprises account for over 70% of charging station operation equipment.  

Wan Jinsong stated that efforts will accelerate the construction of a high-quality charging infrastructure system to support green and low-carbon development in transportation. "With the continuous improvement of charging infrastructure layout and service systems, issues such as slow or difficult charging in specific areas and time periods will be alleviated, and the charging experience for users will become more convenient."  


China is actively, safely, and orderly developing nuclear power, with a complete industrial chain for nuclear power technologies. Currently, there are 102 approved, operational, and under-construction nuclear power units in mainland China, with a total installed capacity exceeding 113 million kilowatts, ranking first globally. Operational nuclear power units maintain full power generation, playing a key role as baseload power sources—accounting for less than 2% of installed capacity but nearly 5% of electricity generation.  

Zhang Jianhua noted that China will balance development and safety, maintain a steady construction pace, actively promote the comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy in heating, steam supply, and desalination, and steadily increase the proportion of nuclear power in energy and electricity consumption to support the energy revolution and green low-carbon development. China will also actively participate in global nuclear power construction, share Chinese experience, and contribute to global climate change response.  

Source: People's Daily (August 30, 2024, Page 02)