New laws, optimization key to green transition, meeting says

China's senior political advisers voiced suggestions on achieving the low-carbon transition during a three-day gathering that will conclude on Wednesday.

The development of renewable energy and the transformation of the industrial sector were among the main topics discussed during the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

The gathering's focus was on green and low-carbon development. Last year, fossil fuels still produced 83.4 percent of primary energy needs. According to Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment, the largest contribution came from coal, which produced 56 percent. 

"China must follow the principle of establishing the new before abolishing the old," stressed Huang, who is also a member of the Jiusan Society, a non-communist party.

"On the one hand, China should focus on the clean and efficient utilization of coal, on the other, it should intensify efforts to boost the development of clean and renewable energies."

Cao Peixi, former president of China Huaneng Group, a major State-owned power generator, called for improvements to laws, regulations and standards to facilitate the transition.

He proposed enacting an energy law that would enshrine national climate targets and the establishment of a new power supply system.China aims to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

Laws on electricity and coal also need amending to adapt them to the current stage of the green transition, he noted.Optimization of the business environment should be a major concern during the period of  amendment and enactment, he said.

Measures should be rolled out to improve supervision of the energy market, safeguard the interest of market entitles, as well as promote fair competition, regulated trading and transparency.

Si Zefu, former president of Harbin Electric Cooperation, called for the establishment of a green financing system capable of supporting the transformation of the manufacturing industry.

He said financial support should be given to encourage technological innovation, technical transformation, the upgrade of the sector, and to optimize the distribution of industrial chains and strengthen their capability for sustainable development.