China outlines strategy for energy sector

Total coal use should peak by 2020 and be capped below 3 billion metric tons. Oil consumption should be limited below 550 million metric tons by 2020 and capped at 650 million metric tons by 2030.

The article also set goals for energy efficiency. By 2030, the efficiency rate should reach the "international advanced level" and energy consumption per capita of gross domestic production must be 30 percent lower than the 2020 level.

China should work to cap carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption below 10 billion metric tons by 2030 - 7 metric tons per person - a similar level to Europe at the same time.

Li highlighted the challenge of urbanization and called for it to be "green" and low-carbon in its implementation.

China's urbanized population could reach 65 percent of its total by 2030, meaning there will be another 300 million people in cities. Per capita urban energy use is normally about three times higher than that in rural areas. An increase of 1 percentage point in the urbanization rate implies increased energy consumption of 60 million metric tons of standard coal.

Urbanization should stick to a "compact city" principle, while the government should clearly define the boundaries of cities to avoid urban sprawl.

The researcher suggested market-oriented reforms as a solution. While promoting energy conservation, the government should let the market play a decisive role in the market for it.

Xinhua

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