China a global leader in sustainable energy: World Bank

BEIJING - China ranked 21st in sustainable energy regulation, with its renewable energy score well above the global average and close to OECD countries in many dimensions, according to a World Bank report released in Beijing Wednesday.

China scored 81 in the first Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE), a policy scorecard covering energy access, energy efficiency and renewable energy in 111 countries. Denmark took the top spot with a score of 94, while Canada and the United States took second and third places, respectively.

Over the past few years, China saw more investment and installation in renewable energy than any other country, the report said, which made China the highest ranking country in East Asia and second highest among all middle-income countries.

"However, as the GDP growth, as well as power demand, decelerates, it is critical to shift the mindset from installing more megawatts to actually delivering clean energy to consumers," said Yao Zhao, World Bank renewable energy expert who leads the renewable energy pillar of RISE.

"The more renewable energy is deployed, the lower the price of power is. It would be wise for Chinese planners and regulators to preempt this situation, which already occurs in Europe and some states in the United States," Zhao said.

Launched in February 2017, RISE focuses on regulatory frameworks in world countries and measures that are within the direct responsibility of policy-makers. The result is based on data available at the end of 2015 that was systematically collected and thoroughly validated.