Press conference on guiding principles of the 4th plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee

Mo Gaoyi:

Due to time constraints, we will take one last question.

China Daily:

Just now, Mr. Zheng introduced some targets and tasks regarding the construction of a modern industrial system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. What specific measures will be taken in promoting the green transformation of key industries and the low-carbon transition of the energy structure? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

I would like to invite Mr. Zheng to answer your question.

Zheng Shanjie:

Thank you for your question. Last month, General Secretary Xi Jinping announced China's new round of nationally determined contributions to the world. The recommendations outline plans for accelerating a comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. The industrial and energy transitions you mentioned are among the top priorities. Our understanding of accelerating the comprehensive green transformation is to advance four key measures guided by the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

First, we will accelerate the establishment and implementation of a dual control system for carbon emissions in both total volume and intensity. Previously, we had a dual control system for energy consumption; now we are fully transitioning to a dual control system for carbon emissions. This serves as the guiding principle for comprehensive green transformation. The recommendations propose the steady implementation of local carbon assessments, industry carbon management, enterprise carbon management, project carbon evaluation and product carbon footprint systems, establishing a comprehensive system of incentives and constraints for all types of actors.

Second, we will accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of energy. This is the critical driver of the comprehensive green transformation. We will speed up the construction of a new energy system. By the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the vast majority of additional electricity demand will be met by newly installed clean energy generation, allowing more green power to traverse mountains and seas and light up households. This includes three key tasks: The first is developing non-fossil energy with greater intensity. We will accelerate the construction of clean energy bases such as wind and photovoltaic power in the northwest, hydropower in the southwest, offshore wind power and coastal nuclear power, while developing biomass, geothermal and marine energy according to local conditions. The second is promoting the clean and efficient utilization of fossil energy. We will transform coal-fired power from a basic security supply into a supporting and regulating power source. The third is accelerating the construction of a new power system. We will ensure that green power is generated efficiently, received reliably by the grid, and utilized effectively at the end-user level.

Third, we will accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of industrial structures. This essentially means increasing the degree of greenness of industries to enhance the value of the economy. We will implement both "additive" and "subtractive" measures in industry: In terms of additive measures, we will accelerate the development of green and low-carbon industries. According to estimates, China's green and low-carbon industry currently amounts to approximately 11 trillion yuan, with potential to at least double over the next five years. In particular, during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we aim to establish around 100 national-level zero-carbon parks, creating significant growth opportunities for the green and low-carbon industry. In terms of subtractive measures, we will promote energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industries. Special actions will be taken in the steel, nonferrous metal, petroleum and chemical sectors, with the aim of achieving energy savings of over 150 million metric tons of standard coal, which can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 400 million metric tons.

Fourth, we will accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of production and lifestyles. This is closely related to people's lives and is fundamental to achieving comprehensive green transformation. In production, we will deepen clean production, implement large-scale equipment upgrades and vigorously develop a circular economy. By 2030, the annual utilization of major solid waste is expected to reach around 4.5 billion metric tons. At the same time, energy-saving renovations in buildings and municipal facilities will be accelerated, and the proportion of major goods transported by rail and waterways will be increased. In daily life, a nationwide campaign for green and low-carbon action will be promoted. Efforts will focus on saving food, water and electricity, as well as sorting household waste. Green and low-carbon lifestyles and products will be widely promoted to build beautiful homes and contribute to the construction of a beautiful China.

Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you to all the speakers and the media. That is all for today's press conference. Thank you.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Cui Can, Zhang Tingting, Li Xiao, Liu Jianing, Zhang Yuxin, Yan Bin, Zhang Rui, You Jiaxin, Liu Caiyi, Liu Sitong, Zhang Junmian, Zhou Jing, Huang Shan, Li Huiru, Wang Yanfang, Wang Wei, Wang Qian, He Shan, David Ball, Tudor Finneran, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.