BEIJING -- China is compiling a white paper on the its energy policies under the organization of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to inform overseas more about the energy development of the country.

The white paper is under the joint compilation of the Energy Bureau and the Institute of Macro Economics, both under the NDRC.

The white paper will raise China's energy strategy and goals as well as elaborate the country's energy policies and measures that have been taken, said an official with the Energy Bureau.

According to the official, the white paper aims to increase the transparency of China's energy policies to build up a good international environment for the country's energy development.

China consumed 2.22 billion tons of standard coal equivalent last year with the output of non-renewable energy reaching 2.06 billion tons.

China is now the world second largest energy consumer and producer.

China's net imports of petroleum last year is 136 million tons, accounting for six percent of the total world trade volume of crude oil that year.

According to the Energy Bureau, the preliminary draft of the white paper has been completed and is waiting to be submitted for suggestions.

China issued the white papers on the annual energy development in 1995 and in 1997 respectively. Great changes have since taken place in China's energy situation and policies.