In a recent conference led by Zhang Jianhua, the head of the National Energy Administration, the significance of energy in supporting economic and social development was underscoredEnergy is recognized not just as a material foundation but also as a vital driving force influencing national stability and the welfare of the populaceOver the past decade, China has embarked on several revolutions in energy consumption, supply, technology, and regulatory frameworksThis comprehensive approach has fostered international collaboration, yielding historic achievements in energy development that strengthen the foundation for constructing a moderately prosperous society and setting the stage for a new journey toward building a socialist modern nation.

The transformation of China's energy consumption structure and the continuous advancement towards green and low-carbon development are particularly noteworthy

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Between 2013 and 2023, the share of coal in energy consumption decreased from 67.4% to 55.3%, a substantive decline of 12.1 percentage pointsDuring the same period, the contribution of non-fossil energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, nuclear power, and biomass increased from 10.2% to 17.9%, marking an impressive rise of 7.7 percentage pointsSignificant shifts in energy utilization patterns have been observed in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and buildingThe quality of oil products has notably improved, transitioning through standards from National III to National VI, thereby making substantial contributions to improving air qualityAdditionally, China has established the world's largest charging infrastructure system as part of its efforts to enhance the green quotient of economic growth.

On the front of energy security and supply stability, the achievements have also been remarkable

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From 2013 to 2023, the total output of primary energy increased by 35%. The production capacity for raw coal has continued to expand, maintaining crude oil output at around 200 million tonsFurthermore, the installed capacity for electricity and natural gas production has doubledWind power generation capacity surged from over 76 million kilowatts to more than 440 million kilowatts—an almost five-fold increaseSolar power installations grew even more dramatically, from over 19 million kilowatts to more than 600 million kilowatts, a surge of over 30 timesBy 2023, newly added renewable energy generating capacity accounted for more than half of the world's total, with China's cumulative installed capacity reaching nearly 40% of the global shareThe per capita electricity consumption in China increased from 500 kilowatt-hours to nearly 1,000 kilowatt-hours, effectively doubling the energy needs of its 1.4 billion population.

Moreover, advancements in energy technology have notably entered the frontline on an international scale

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Technologies such as the Hualong One, which has proprietary intellectual property rights, represent significant achievements in third-generation pressurized water nuclear power technologyThe Shidao Bay high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, which is the world's first commercial demonstration project, has begun operationThere have also been continuous breakthroughs in unconventional oil and gas exploration, as well as developments in heavy-duty gas turbinesAdditionally, China maintains its leadership in technologies such as UHV (ultra-high voltage) power transmission and high-parameter coal-fired power generationThe wind power sector has established a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing equipment manufacturing, project development, and operational maintenanceFurthermore, advancements in photovoltaic cell efficiency have repeatedly set world records, with costs for wind and solar power decreasing by 60% and 80%, respectively

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The hydroelectric sector also leads globally across its entire industrial chain.

The deepening reforms in key areas and aspects of energy have also seen continued enhancementA robust legal framework is steadily being established, with energy legislation now under deliberation by the National People's CongressThe construction of a unified national electricity market is accelerating, with more than 60% of total electricity consumption transitioning to market-driven allocationInitial frameworks for oil and gas markets are taking shape, while regulatory mechanisms for coal long-term contracts and market pricing are being refinedThanks to these reforms, energy sector participants are showcasing renewed vigor and vitality.

On the international cooperation front, China has expanded its energy partnerships comprehensivelyEfforts to strengthen overseas oil and gas cooperation zones and import pathways have gained momentum

Projects like the Belo Monte UHVDC project in Brazil and the first overseas Hualong One reactor are notable milestones, reflecting achievements in power interconnection with seven neighboring countriesThe "Belt and Road" initiative has become a pivotal platform for international energy cooperation, as has the global clean energy partnership framework, positioning China as an increasingly influential player in the global energy governance landscape.

Looking forward, as the nation engages in new industrial and urban development, robust energy demand is expected to continueHowever, this growth must be managed while ensuring that energy supply remains reliableAcknowledging the rigorous target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and related interim carbon reduction goals, such as increasing non-fossil energy consumption to about 25% by 2030 and reducing carbon emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% compared to 2005 levels, are of paramount importance

The fundamental task in the coming period for ensuring high-quality energy development will revolve around effectively balancing economic and social demands for energy while making visible strides toward these dual carbon objectives.

In light of the requirements for modernization and carbon neutrality, what aspects should be prioritized in coordinating the high-quality development of energy? Director Zhang Jianhua outlines a dual approach: integrating energy security with low-carbon transformation effortsThis entails coordinated actions from both the supply and consumption sides to drive high-quality energy developmentOn the consumption side, significant efforts will focus on implementing a reduction strategy for fossil energy consumption, which includes strict controls on coal use and a vigorous push toward electric power substitution across various sectors, ranging from industry and construction to transportation and agriculture

By 2025, the nation aims to establish approximately 12 million charging facility units to support electric vehicles, with an ambitious goal of elevating the electrification level of end energy use to around 30%.

Conversely, on the supply side, enhancing the quality and expansion of non-fossil energy sources will be the driving "addition." There is a concerted effort to bolster the development of nuclear, hydro, and renewable energy sources while enhancing the system's regulatory capacityThe aim is to improve the grid's capability to accept, allocate, and manage clean energyFurthermore, the consumption of green electricity is expected to broaden, aiming for a one-percentage-point annual increase in the share of non-fossil energy consumptionThrough these concerted actions, the future of China's energy sector looks poised for continued advancement while addressing both domestic needs and global concerns about sustainability.