Preface

Energy is essential to human survival and development, and the way we develop low-carbon energy will be of great significance to the future of humanity. Since the First Industrial Revolution, the extensive use of fossil fuels has propelled human progress, but has also caused major problems, such as resource depletion, climate change, and geopolitical tension. As a result, the international community widely recognizes the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and using energy in a sustainable way to promote people's wellbeing and drive long-term economic growth. 

Over the past 75 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China has experienced rapid growth in its energy sector, and has emerged as the largest energy producer and consumer in the world. After the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, China's energy sector entered a stage of high-quality development. In 2014, President Xi Jinping proposed a new energy security strategy aimed at revolutionizing consumption, supply, technology, and institutions, while strengthening all-round international cooperation. This strategy has charted the course and laid out the fundamental principles for China's energy development in the new era. Guided by this strategy, China is pursuing a path of energy transition that is suited to its actual conditions, follows the general trends of global development, and meets the changing needs of our times. 

Based on high-quality development, China's energy transition aims to build a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system. This initiative will provide a strong guarantee for the country's economic and social development and meet the people's growing desire for a better life. 

With a view to eco-environmental progress, China's energy transition is gathering pace to develop a new model of energy consumption that is economical, efficient, green and inclusive. This will create synergies for cutting carbon emissions, reducing pollution, expanding green development, and stimulating economic growth, with the ultimate goal of building harmony between humanity and nature. 

Acting on the vision of a global community of shared future, China is committed to advancing its energy transition by strengthening international cooperation in green energy. As a strong advocate of global energy transition, China is prepared to collaborate with other countries to build a future of sustainable energy. China respects the energy transition path independently chosen by other developing countries based on their national conditions and advances its energy transition in an equitable, just and orderly fashion. 

The Chinese government is publishing this white paper to document China's successful actions and historic achievements in energy transition over the past decade.