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Read in Chinese
Speakers:
Mr. Zhang Jianhua, administrator of the National Energy Administration (NEA)
Mr. Liang Changxin, director general of the Comprehensive Affairs Department of the NEA and spokesperson of the NEA
Mr. Liu Deshun, director general of the Department of Energy Conservation and Scientific and Technological Equipment of the NEA
Mr. Li Chuangjun, director general of the Department of New Energy and Renewable Energy Sources of the NEA
Chairperson:
Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
April 12, 2023
Xing Huina:
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 13th press conference in the series "Embarking on the New Journey — A Government Perspective." Today, we have invited Mr. Zhang Jianhua, administrator of the National Energy Administration (NEA), to brief you on fully implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and advancing the high-quality development of China's energy sector, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Liang Changxin, director general of the Comprehensive Affairs Department of the NEA and spokesperson of the NEA; Mr. Liu Deshun, director general of the Department of Energy Conservation and Scientific and Technological Equipment of the NEA; and Mr. Li Chuangjun, director general of the Department of New Energy and Renewable Energy Sources of the NEA.
Now, let's give the floor to Mr. Zhang for his introduction.
Zhang Jianhua:
Thank you, Ms. Xing. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I am very glad to meet with friends from the media and to brief you on the energy sector.
The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to energy-related work. The 20th CPC National Congress developed a strategic plan for comprehensively promoting national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization and set clear requirements for high-quality energy development. The energy sector has adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly studied and implemented the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, and stepped up efforts to introduce new policies and measures. The energy sector has taken the approach of "sprinting and fighting a decisive battle from the very beginning," aiming to bolster and empower socio-economic development and provide strong energy guarantees for high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
This year marks the start of fully implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress. Since this year, work and life in China have recovered at a faster pace, the growth rate of industrial energy consumption has increased significantly, energy consumption has grown slightly, and national energy supply and demand have been stable on the whole. The energy sector will focus on the five aspects of energy security guarantees, clean and low-carbon transition, self-reliance and strength in science and technology, institutional innovation, and enhancing international cooperation to fully promote high-quality energy development.
First, we will commit ourselves to consolidating energy security guarantees. We will always take ensuring national energy security as the most important mission and task, and base our work on the country's resource endowment in accordance with the principle of building the new before discarding the old. On one hand, we will make fossil fuels better meet the basic energy needs, let coal play a bigger role as an anchor of the sector, and make greater efforts to explore and develop petroleum and natural gas, discover more untapped reserves, and increase production. In this way, we aim to ensure that the country's annual crude oil output can long remain at the level of 200 million metric tons and that the self-sufficiency rate of natural gas shall not be less than 50%. We will also strengthen the underpinning and adjusting role of coal power. On the other hand, we will make non-fossil fuels a safer and more reliable alternative, and form a diversified clean energy supply system integrating wind, solar, biomass, nuclear and hydrogen energy and hydropower. We will advance the flexible transformation of coal power, and accelerate the construction of pumped power storage, peak regulation of natural gas and electricity usage, and new-type power storage facilities. We will boost the transformation and upgrading of the power distribution grid, support a high proportion of new energy's access to the power grid, and spare no efforts to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. At the same time, we will improve the energy security supervision and warning system, establish an energy security accountability mechanism, strengthen security risk management for large power grids, increase the ability of security risk prevention and emergency management, and go all out to ensure people's livelihoods in terms of having energy supply meet peak demand during summer and winter, adopting clean energy sources for winter heating in northern China, rural energy consumption, and charging infrastructure construction.
Second, we will accelerate the reform of energy consumption models. Our focus is on achieving "three transformations." The first is transforming the energy structure. We will strive to increase the share of non-fossil energy consumption by 1 percentage point annually over the next five years, ensure that 80% of newly added electricity will come from non-fossil fuels by 2035, and make non-fossil fuels the main source of energy by the middle of this century. The second is transforming energy systems and forms. We will accelerate the planning and development of a new-energy system, build a new type of power system, and promote the use of electricity in key areas. We will guide big data centers and industrial interruptible loads, among others, to participate in regulating the power system, and develop non-electric applications of renewable energy according to local conditions. The third is transforming the energy layout. In principle, the proportion of newly built power transmission channels for renewable energy should not be lower than 50%. We will speed up the development of distributed energy resources, coastal nuclear power and offshore wind power, so as to achieve coordinated development of energy "from afar" and "from nearby."
Third, we will accelerate our efforts to promote self-reliance and self-improvement in energy science and technology, adhering to innovation-driven development. Through implementing mechanisms such as a ranking system and a competitive selection process for choosing the best candidates to lead key research projects, we will actively cultivate core industrial chains and key links, continuously enhance our independent innovation capabilities, increase the self-reliance of major technical equipment, and better control risks. This will make industrial energy chains and supply chains more resilient and secure. We will foster the in-depth integration of energy innovation, industrial, financial, talent and data chains, advancing digital and smart energy development, with the aim of building high-end and modernized energy industrial value chains.
Fourth, we will improve and unleash the vitality of energy systems and mechanisms. Building on the foundation of the rule of law, we will accelerate the formulation of energy legislation and the revision of the Electric Power Law, the Coal Industry Law and the Law on Renewal Energy. Driven by reforms, we will establish a unified electric power market system adapted to new types of electric power systems, fully leveraging the decisive role of the market in resource allocation and eliminating barriers to system access, market transactions, and other aspects of emerging business forms and models. By leveraging supervision, we will forge a market of fair competition and further protect and stimulate the vitality of energy market entities. We will also implement policies as a safeguard to connect the green certificate market, carbon market, and electric power market in an orderly fashion, promoting coordination and collaboration between upstream and downstream energy industrial chains.
Fifth, we will work actively to open new prospects in international energy cooperation. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in which energy cooperation is an important area. We will steadfastly pursue an open strategy of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, advancing in-depth cooperation with key energy resource countries and reinforcing green and low-carbon energy cooperation with developing nations. We will consolidate and expand energy trade and cooperation channels, optimize overseas collaboration arrangements, and enhance coordination of investment development, project construction, equipment manufacturing, consultation, design, and financial services, among other aspects. By doing so, we will deeply engage in global energy governance and provide new opportunities to the world through China's new development. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Zhang. Now, we welcome everyone to ask questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before raising your questions.
CCTV:
The 20th CPC National Congress outlined a grand blueprint for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. What new missions and tasks will the energy industry undertake in promoting the Chinese path to modernization? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
Thank you for your question; I would like to answer it. The Chinese path to modernization is a bright path for realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and embodies distinctive Chinese characteristics. The energy industry will firmly grasp the essential requirements of Chinese modernization and unswervingly pursue a high-quality development path with Chinese characteristics, contributing our energy-related efforts to building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
First, we will provide a solid material foundation for building China into a modern country. Energy is the lifeblood of modern society, and ensuring sufficient, stable and affordable energy supplies an essential requirement for Chinese modernization. We must strengthen the foundations for energy supply security, develop clean energy supply systems such as wind, solar, hydro and nuclear power, and enhance the resilience and security of the energy industry and supply chains. This will support the building of a modern country with reliable energy supplies.
Second, we will provide essential support for building a modernized industrial system. The energy industry is characterized by its large scale, long supply chains, extensive coverage, active innovation, and strong driving effects, making it both a fundamental and strategic industry for the national economy. The energy sector will deepen the implementation of projects for upgrading industrial infrastructure and for achieving breakthroughs in key technical equipment. We will strive to foster new growth drivers, such as new energy and high-end equipment, construct a modernized infrastructure system and promote industrial transformation and upgrading.
Third, we aim to provide strong support for safeguarding national security. Energy security is crucial for national development, people's well-being, and national security. Faced with uncertain and unpredictable factors, such as geopolitical turbulence and frequent extreme weather events, the energy industry will focus on improving the levels of self-reliance, safety and control over essential resources, infrastructure, industrial chains and supply chains. This will establish a new energy security landscape that supports a new development paradigm.
Fourth, we aim to provide significant momentum for promoting sustainable economic and social development. Energy is crucial in building an eco-civilization and transitioning to low-carbon energy, which is the key to achieving sustainable development. We must accelerate the readjustment of our energy mix, improve our capacity to develop and utilize clean energy, promote the development of green and low-carbon ways of working and living, and thus contribute to the realization of a modernization where humanity and nature can coexist harmoniously. Thank you.
Red Star News:
A key report delivered at the opening session of the 20th CPC National Congress proposed that China should foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. The guideline for improving "getting electricity" services and continuing to optimize the electricity business environment, which was deliberated and adopted by an executive meeting of the State Council, has been implemented for nearly three years. Can you brief us on the achievements of the related work and the focus of the next phase of work?
Liu Deshun:
Thank you for the question. Optimizing the electricity business environment is an important part of fostering a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. In recent years, the NEA has led the effort to fully implement the main objectives and tasks of the guideline by organizing energy authorities and electric power enterprises in all localities. After nearly three years of efforts, improved services have been implemented nationwide. Household users and low-voltage small and micro businesses no longer require house calls, examinations, approvals or investments for electric power usage applications. High-voltage electricity users now experience more convenient, time-saving and economical application processes. Remarkable progress has been made in the following five areas: First, household power users and low-voltage small and micro businesses (160 kilowatts and below) are no longer required to pay for electricity use applications. This marks another milestone in our country's history of electric power development, following the achievement of nationwide electricity access in 2015 and the provision of dynamic electricity to all villages across the country in 2020. Second, an internet-based electricity service system has been implemented across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government. This has formed a new model of electricity service that is based on information, networks, and intelligence. Internet electricity services are now accessible to everyone. Gradually, electricity services based on face scanning and providing a unified social credit code have become popular. As a result, enterprises and household users can easily access electricity services without having to go out and deal with the procedures. Third, historical breakthroughs have been made in addressing the difficulties and obstacles in accessing high-voltage electricity services. The connectivity between examination and approval management systems for government construction projects and the electric service systems of power supply enterprises has been essentially realized in all localities. Many innovative experiences have emerged, allowing power supply enterprises to acquire electricity demand in advance and thus provide proactive services. High-voltage electricity services are rapidly transforming from "projects waiting for electricity" to "electricity waiting for projects." Fourth, improved "getting electricity" services have profoundly changed the relationship between power supply enterprises and users. People's sense of gain and experiences now serve as the best criteria for evaluating power supply services. Power supply enterprises have evolved from being traditional single power suppliers to service providers of "getting electricity" access for the users. The general public has transitioned from being just electricity users to beneficiaries, overseers and promoters of improved "getting electricity" services. Fifth, the capacity of the electric power supply has improved significantly. The duration and frequency of power outrages have continued to decrease in various regions. Power supply reliability in some cities, such as Shenzhen, has reached world-class levels.
For the next step, the NEA will further improve its service for "getting electricity" with a focus on the following three aspects of work. First, we will promote access to electricity through facial recognition and one integrated license, as well as synchronously publicize relevant policies and service standards; maintenance, repair, and power transmission arrangements; and information on the energy regulatory hotline, 12398, and the power supply service hotline, 95598, on a regular basis and in a standardized and institutionalized manner. Second, we will step up efforts to promote typical practices to help the high-voltage power supply sector achieve IT application-based, Internet-based and smart development. Third, we will guide all localities to improve the working mechanism which features government-enterprise coordination in electricity supply services, give full play to the leading role of local energy (power) departments and the main role of power supply enterprises, and work together to solve problems and weak links so as to constantly improve residents and businesses' sense of gain and experience in getting electricity. Thank you.
Kyodo News:
On March 21, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement, saying that the two sides will work together to promote research and consultations on a new China-Mongolia-Russia natural gas pipeline project. What is the progress of the negotiation on the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline project? Does China plan to expand the import of energy from Russia? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
During President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia in March, the two sides jointly signed the Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era. In the statement, the two sides stated that they would work together to promote research and consultations on a new China-Mongolia-Russia natural gas pipeline project. As energy cooperation is an important cornerstone of pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, both sides will build a closer energy partnership, support enterprises from both sides in promoting energy cooperation projects, maintain the stability of industrial chains and supply chains of energy products, and jointly make contributions to the long-term, sound, and stable development of the global energy market. At present, enterprises from both sides are carrying out exchanges and consultations regarding the new natural gas pipeline project. China will continue to support enterprises to conduct research and consultations in accordance with commercial principles. Thank you.
ThePaper.cn:
Over the past two years, there has been a regional energy supply imbalance in our country. As summer is around the corner, what are the work arrangements to ensure energy supplies in the summer peak consumption season? Thank you.
Liang Changxin:
Thank you for your question. The NEA has faithfully implemented the important arrangements for energy security and power supply made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and worked together with local departments and enterprises to ensure power supplies. During last year especially, we have effectively dealt with the challenges brought by high temperatures, drought disasters, and extreme water scarcity during the summer months. The country's maximum power load is expected to exceed 1.36 billion kilowatts this year, a substantial growth compared to last year. According to our research and judgment, power supplies across the country can be well ensured in general, though certain provinces may encounter a shortage of power during peak hours. We will strengthen coordination and make every effort to ensure the work relating to the following five aspects is done well.
First, we will lay more focus on monitoring, analysis, and early warning systems. We will intensify efforts to monitor power supply situation on a regular basis. During the summer peak consumption season, we will ensure power supply in line with the principle of "one policy for one province." We will also closely monitor water supplies and demand conditions in certain provinces like Yunnan and Guizhou, fully take into consideration the uncertainty of water supply during the flood season, and be well prepared for power supply work in the summer peak consumption season in advance.
Second, we will intensify the construction and production of supporting power supply sources and transmission channels. In accordance with the principle of "measured progress while allowing for flexibility," we will see that various power supply sources are operational before peak summer demand to ensure a stable supply. Among these, the supporting power supply will be no less than 17 million kilowatts. We will continuously optimize the regional main grid structure and enhance emergency response capabilities.
Third, we need to ensure an adequate supply of thermal coal. We will focus on ensuring the stable quantity, quality and price of thermal coal supply. We will urge and guide local governments to speed up the construction of coal mines, promote the swift commencement of approved projects, and optimize the schedule of coal mines under construction to put them into production as quickly as possible. We will also urge provinces across the country to closely monitor the quantity and performance of long-term thermal coal supply agreements and ensure effective implementation and coordination through diligent supervision.
Fourth, we will make every effort to ensure the stability of power generation units. We will urge power generation enterprises to maintain a stable supply of thermal coal and gas, sign high-quality medium- and long-term agreements on thermal coal and gas, and strengthen performance supervision. We will also urge power generation enterprises to enhance both production and equipment management, and resolutely follow dispatching instructions to ensure that electricity generation units perform well and stably.
Fifth, we need to do a good job managing the load scientifically. We will urge local authorities to guide the public in supporting, understanding, and participating in demand-side initiatives. This will further enhance demand-side response capabilities, and effectively alleviate the pressure during peak hours. We also urge local authorities to further optimize plans for orderly electricity usage and refine their implementation. Thank you.
Zhonghongwang:
The report to the 20th CPC National Congress proposed that, based on our resource endowment, we should adhere to the principle of establishing new systems before abolishing old ones, and implement peak carbon emissions actions in a planned and step-by-step manner. What achievements has the energy sector made in establishing new systems? What are the next steps in promoting the green transformation of energy, and what other essential work needs to be done? Thank you.
Li Chuangjun:
Thank you for the question. Energy is a critical sector for achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. To implement major policy decisions and plans of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, we always take stock of China's national conditions and reality and adhere to the principle of establishing the new before abolishing the old. Positive results have been made in promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy sector, providing strong support to advancing towards the "dual carbon" goals in a proactive and steady manner.
First, outstanding achievements have been made in green development. China has installed more than 100 million kilowatts of wind and light energy for three consecutive years, and renewable energy installations exceeded 1.2 billion kilowatts at the end of last year. Non-fossil energy sources account for nearly half of the installed capacity. More than 90% of coal power units have achieved ultra-low emissions, with pollutant emissions on par with gas and electricity. Over the past three years, coal consumption has decreased by 1.5 percentage points while non-fossil energy consumption has increased by 2.2 percentage points. Additionally, the number of charging facilities has increased by 3.3 times.
Second, green transformation has gained momentum. New energy technology innovation has accelerated energy transformation. Advanced technologies and equipment, such as high-efficiency photovoltaic power generation and high-capacity wind power have remained at a world-leading level. Significant breakthroughs have been achieved in independent third-generation nuclear power, large-scale energy storage and many other major scientific and technological innovations.
Third, policy support has been strengthened. Implementation plans for peak carbon emissions in the energy, coal, and oil sectors have been issued and implemented. Moreover, the market, legal and standard systems for promoting energy transition have been further improved.
Going forward, we will focus on the following four aspects as we advance green, low-carbon energy transition. First, we will continue to increase the supply of non-fossil energy and accelerate the adjustment and optimization of the energy mix. We will raise the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption by about 1 percentage point per year through 2030. Second, we will work hard to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy industry and advance our efforts to convert the power source of energy production equipment to electricity, gradually phase out outdated production capacities in an orderly manner. We will also promote the integrated development of coal mines, oil and gas fields, and new energy and continue to improve the level of energy conservation and carbon reduction in energy production. Third, we will actively push forward clean and low-carbon transformation of end-use energy and further shift to electricity as the energy source in industrial, construction, transportation, and other sectors. By 2025, we will raise the share of electricity consumption in end-use energy to about 30%. Fourth, we will step up institutional support for green and low-carbon technology innovation and transformation, increase efforts to seek breakthroughs in low-carbon, zero-carbon, and carbon-negative technologies, and constantly improve the institutional mechanisms and policy systems for energy transition. Thank you.
China Mining newspaper:
The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed to speed up the planning and development of a system for new energy sources. In recent years, we have driven deeper in pursuing the energy transition. What kinds of foundations have been laid for developing such a system, and what are the next goals and tasks in this regard? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
The report to the 20th CPC National Congress pointed out that "we will thoroughly advance the energy revolution, speed up the planning and development of a system for new energy sources, and ensure energy security." This is the new deployment and requirements of the CPC Central Committee for the high-quality development of the energy sector on the new journey in the new era. Over the last 10 years in the new era, a series of breakthroughs have been made in energy development under the guidance of the new energy security strategy, laying a solid foundation for the planning and development of a system for new energy sources. The green and low-carbon energy transition stands at a new starting point. The installed capacity of non-fossil energy power generation has increased by 2.8 times over the past 10 years, reaching 1.27 billion kilowatts, accounting for 49.5% of the total installed capacity, and the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption has increased by 7.8 percentage points, reaching 17.5%. Energy security has reached a new level. The diversified energy supply system consisting of coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy has been constantly improved. The total energy production has increased by 33% over the past 10 years, effectively guaranteeing the overall stability of energy supply and demand as well as energy prices, thereafter guaranteeing an annual economic growth rate of more than 6%. Innovation and development have embarked on a new journey. We have built up our strengths in global competition for the clean energy industry. The key components of photovoltaic and wind power account for 70% of the global market share. The R&D and application of new technologies such as high-efficiency photovoltaic power generation, large-capacity wind power, Hualong One nuclear technology, and new energy storage are being accelerated. New forms and models of energy development are constantly emerging.
To thoroughly implement the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to speed up the planning and development of a system for new energy sources, we will push forward the energy revolution and promote energy system reforms to present the "three news," that is, a new energy structure, a new industrial system, and new energy supply and use models. First, we will promote the green transformation of energy production and consumption and accelerate the transition of main energy sources from fossil fuels to non-fossil energy. Second, we will build up a modern energy industry system, intensify efforts to achieve major scientific and technological breakthroughs in pioneering and strategic research, actively advance the construction of the new power system, and push forward the clean, low-carbon, and efficient use of fossil fuels. Third, we will ensure a resilient energy industrial and supply chain, constantly bolster our capabilities for energy production and supply as well as reserve adjustment. We will pay equal attention to cross-regional transmission and balanced regional production, and promote the transformation of energy supply and use models to adopt integrated energy development and strengthen the integration of power source, grid, load and storage. Thank you.
The Poster News APP:
At the beginning of last year, the NDRC and the NEA issued guidelines on accelerating the building of a unified national power market system. What progress has been made in the past year? What are the main focus points moving forward? Thank you.
Liang Changxin:
Thank you for your questions. Over the past year, steady and orderly progress has been made in building the power market. The proportion of market-based electricity transactions has been further increased, and the market has been playing a more prominent role in the optimal allocation of resources. First, a multi-level power market system has been improved. Provincial-level (autonomous region-level and municipal-level) market-oriented trading has been deepening, and inter-provincial and cross-regional market-oriented trading has been making steady progress. Medium and long-term inter-provincial transactions are running on a regular basis, and inter-provincial long-period spot transactions are in trial operation. In addition, the southern regional power market has carried out trial operations for coordinating power transfers. In 2022, the proportion of market-based electricity transactions reached 60% of the total power consumption. Second, the market-oriented power trading mechanism has been improved. Medium and long-term and ancillary services markets have achieved full coverage. Six pilot areas for spot transactions, including Shanxi, have entered a long-periodic uninterrupted power settlement pilot operation. Over 600,000 business entities have registered in power trading institutions, and coal power, gas power, nuclear power, and renewable energy power generation systems now participate in the market in an orderly manner. The market mechanism has played an important role in optimizing the allocation of resources, promoting the capacity of absorbing renewable energy power, and ensuring power supply.
In the next step, we will speed up building a unified national power market system so as to adapt to the new energy system and accelerate the building of the new power system. First, we need to improve the multi-level unified power market system, steadily promote the construction of provincial-level (autonomous region-level and municipal-level) and regional power markets, let the inter-provincial and cross-regional transactions be more market-based, and enhance the link between the markets. Second, we should synergize different types of power trading, continue to improve the medium and long-term market and ancillary service market, and actively yet prudently promote the construction of the spot market. Third, we need to help diversify business entities and improve the relevant mechanisms for new energy and new business entities to participate in the power market. Thanks.
The Beijing News:
After years of development, China has become the world's largest producer and consumer of renewable energy. What are the major challenges that we face in this regard, and how will we deal with them? Thanks.
Li Chuangjun:
Thank you for your questions. In recent years, the energy sector has thoroughly implemented the new energy security strategy proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, namely, launching a revolution in energy supply, consumption, technology and market, and increasing international cooperation in all sectors. We have been committed to achieving peak carbon emission and neutrality targets as well as coordinating development and security and vigorously promoting the transition to green and low-carbon energy. China's development of renewable energy has achieved new breakthroughs and entered a new stage of large-scale, high-quality, and leapfrog development. Currently, the main challenges that we face regarding the development of renewable energy sources are as follows:
First, in the aspect of absorbing electricity into power grids, with the rapid development of the new energy sector, the traditional power system can no longer meet the requirements of the large-scale and high-proportion development of new energy in terms of planning, construction, dispatching, and operation. Some places see pressure from absorbing electricity generated by new energy sources into power grids.
Second, in terms of ensuring factors of production, the development of the new energy industry requires a huge amount of land resources. To realize the large-scale development of renewable energy, we need to strengthen policy cohesion and coordination with relevant departments in areas such as land and sea use, as well as environmental protection.
Third, in terms of the consumption and utilization of renewable energy, in order to actively adapt to the new requirement of transitioning from assessing the total amount and intensity of energy consumption to assessing the total amount and intensity of carbon emissions, we need to further guide all sectors of society to proactively consume and utilize renewable energy.
In response to these challenges, we will fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, coordinate development and security, and expedite the planning and building of a new energy system, focusing on the following three aspects. First, we will accelerate the construction of new power systems. We will make coordinated efforts to ensure the safe and stable operation of power systems, the reliable supply of electricity, and absorb electricity generated from renewable energy sources into power grids. We will comprehensively improve the adjustment capacity and flexibility of power systems and ensure that new energy resources can generate power, provide electricity, and be used effectively. Second, we will coordinate energy security and food security. We will step up research on policies related to land and sea use for compound new energy projects. We will boost the development of compound new energy projects and the efficient and economical use of land, ensuring the implementation of major projects in this regard. Third, we will work to develop green and low-carbon ways of working and living. We will improve the system concerning green power certificates and move faster to issue them for all power generated from renewable energy. We will introduce policies to promote the consumption of power generated from renewable energy. We will also specify the authority, versatility, uniqueness, and dominant role of green power certificates, expand the scope of their issuance and trading, and work to promote their full coverage. We will foster an atmosphere in all sectors of society to use electricity generated from renewable energy, encourage all energy-consuming units to proactively assume their social responsibility in using such electricity, and promote the green and low-carbon transformation and high-quality development of both the economy and society.
Southern Metropolis Daily:
The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have issued a plan outlining the overall framework for the country's digital development. The document emphasizes support for the in-depth integration of digital technology with the real economy, as well as the accelerating innovative application of digital technology in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, finance, education, medical services, transportation and energy. What are the goals, tasks and measures for the integrated development of digital technology and the energy sector?
Liu Deshun:
Thank you for your question. Energy serves as a fundamental support for socioeconomic development. In the context of accelerated digital technology innovation and its increasing integration into all fields and stages of socioeconomic progress, the integrated development of the energy sector and digital technology is a key growth driver for upgrading the industrial base and modernizing the industrial chains of China's energy sector in the new era. The initiative holds great significance for enhancing the sector's core competitiveness, supporting its high-quality development, and working actively and prudently toward the goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. The 14th Five-Year Plan and the period ahead present an important opportunity to accelerate the integration of digital technology and the energy sector. However, generally speaking, China's energy sector is still in the early stages of digital and smart transformation. There is an urgent need to further strengthen coordination and guidance for industrial transformation and development.
In order to implement the plan for the overall layout of China's digital development that you mentioned, and accelerate the innovative application of digital technology in the energy sector, the NEA recently issued the Opinions on Accelerating the Promotion of Digital and Smart Technologies in the Energy Sector. The goals are to promote the adoption of digital technology in energy production, transportation, storage, sales and use, build a digital and intelligent innovative application system covering all aspects of the energy sector, and speed up the transformation of energy system operation and management model toward greater standardization, digitalization and intelligence. Efforts will be made to increase the proportion of new energy within the energy system and enhance total factor productivity, realize qualitative, efficient and dynamic changes in energy development, improve the quality and efficiency of the energy sector, and curb the total amount and intensity of carbon emissions. Based on the principles of "demand-oriented, digital empowerment, collaborative and efficient, and integrated innovation," the opinions proposed multiple measures from such aspects as accelerating industry transformation and upgrading, promoting application pilots and demonstrations, advancing breakthroughs in generic technologies and improving the support system, as well as strengthening organizational support efforts. These measures are centered around diverse application scenarios, such as smart power plants, smart grids, smart coal mines, smart oil and gas fields, and comprehensive energy services, in order to promote the engineering and industrialization of innovation achievements and cultivate advantages in the integrated development of digital technology and the energy industry from all aspects. Thank you.
CRNTT:
Since last year, the international energy supply and demand situation has been complex and severe, with energy security becoming a common concern for all. How do you view the energy security situation in China at present and in the future? What further steps will be taken to ensure China's energy security? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
Thank you. In today's world, there are increasing unstable, uncertain and unpredictable factors that are constantly posing challenges to the stability of the global energy supply and industrial chains. Since last year, in the context of strained global energy supply, China has maintained stable energy supply in terms of quantity and price by continuously improving energy supply capacity and quality. As we embark on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects, energy consumption will continue to grow. New energy has not had the capability to fully replace conventional energy sources, fossil fuels will continue to play a role in guaranteeing China's energy security, some energy technologies and equipment still have weakness to overcome, and extreme weather has had an increasingly significant impact on energy supply, bringing multiple pressures to energy security.
At the 20th CPC National Congress, energy was identified as a key area for national security and capacity building. Important arrangements have been made to promote energy revolution and ensure energy security. Next, we will take specific steps in four areas. First, we will take multiple measures to improve our energy supply capacity, including strengthening the construction of advanced coal production capacity, promoting the exploration and development of oil and gas resources, increasing the supply of clean energy, and advancing the building of energy reserve capacity. Second, we will promote the energy industrial chain to be more self-supporting with risks being better controlled, strengthen the research and development of key technologies, and shore up weak links in the industrial chain. Third, we will promote low-carbon transformation of the energy sector, build a new energy system, speed up the optimization of the energy structure, and work to increase the proportion of non-fossil energy in energy consumption. Fourth, we will strengthen prediction and early warnings for energy security risks and continue to formulate and implement relevant energy security plans, to ensure China's stable energy supply. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
The last two questions, please.
Economic Daily:
This year marks the third year of the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Can you talk about what progress has been made concerning the plan for energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period? Thank you.
Liang Changxin:
Thank you for your question. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, under the guidance of the new energy security strategy of promoting reforms in energy consumption, supply, technologies, and systems while strengthening international cooperation on all fronts, smooth progress has been made on the main objectives and indicators of energy planning; great advancement has been made in key tasks; and the construction of major projects has been carried out in an orderly manner. All these have laid a sound foundation for the development of a new energy system. The progress is mainly demonstrated in five aspects. First, the demand for energy with growth beyond expectation has been ensured. During the first two years of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the growth of energy consumption had been higher than expected, with an annual growth rate of 1.5 times that of the 13th Five-Year Plan period. The foundation for energy security has been strengthened. The overall energy production capacity has developed at a faster pace. The production of standard coal reached 4.9 billion tons in 2022, and primary energy production increased by 14.2% over the last two years. Compared with the energy crisis in Europe, China has maintained overall stability in energy supplies and prices. Second, investment in major energy projects has demonstrated strong growth. The key projects of the 14th Five-Year Plan for energy development have been advanced, and over 50% of the projects in the plan have begun construction. Investment in major energy projects nationwide totaled over 4 trillion yuan in the past two years, with a growth rate of 12.2 percentage points higher than that of the investment in infrastructure nationwide during the same period. All of these factors have played a leading role in expanding domestic demand, stabilizing investment, promoting growth, and ensuring safety. Third, notable achievements have been made in expanding green development and cutting carbon emissions in energy development. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, new energy development has been further accelerated. The newly installed wind and photovoltaic power capacities have surpassed 100 million kW for three consecutive years. The annual output of electricity generated by new energy is over 1 trillion kWh, with an increase of over 60% over the past two years. Non-fossil energy accounts for nearly 40% of the increase in energy consumption, with equivalent reductions in carbon emissions of about 600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in total. Fourth, high-quality services for energy consumption regarding people's livelihoods have continued to be improved. Clean heating accounts for over 70% of all heating in China's northern region, surpassing the goals outlined in the plan and contributing to over 30% of the improvement in air quality. About 5.6 million charging facilities have been built nationwide, more than three times that of 2020, ensuring the charging needs of over 10 million new energy vehicles. In addition, the full-scale nationwide supply of State ⅥB standard gasoline for motor vehicles has been ensured, with world-leading refined oil quality. Fifth, the growth driver for the innovative development of energy has been further enhanced. The Hualong One demonstration project, a domestically designed third-generation nuclear reactor, has been built and put into operation. The Baihetan hydropower station, with the largest single-unit capacity in the world, has been built and put into full operation. The research and application of a group of new energy technologies, including large-scale energy storage and hydrogen power, have made new progress. The development of the national unified power market system has been accelerated. In 2022, the proportion of market-based electricity transactions in total electricity consumption surpassed 60%, 20 percentage points higher than that of 2020. Thank you.
China Daily:
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the proposal of the BRI. Quality cooperation projects in the field of energy have brought new opportunities to countries along the route to achieve common prosperity. In the future, the BRI will be confronted with new international and domestic environments. What will the NEA do in this new environment to keep advancing the achievements of energy access, win-win outcomes, and mutual benefits? Thank you.
Zhang Jianhua:
Thank you for your question. Energy is a key area for Belt and Road cooperation. Over the past 10 years since the proposal of the BRI, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, international energy cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes. A batch of clean, efficient, and quality energy cooperation projects have been launched. The mechanism for multilateral and bilateral energy cooperation has constantly improved, and exchanges in energy policies and technologies have become more frequent. All these have actively contributed to the sustainable energy development of Belt and Road partner countries and safeguarding global energy safety and stability.
Today, our world, our times, and history are changing in ways like never before. Energy cooperation under the BRI also faces many difficulties and challenges. We will have a full and accurate study and grasp of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and thoroughly implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's major expositions on the joint pursuit of the BRI and the promotion of energy cooperation. With the goal of high-standard, sustainable, and people-centered development, we will continue to open up new prospects of international energy cooperation and create new opportunities for the world with new advances in China's development.
First, we will promote high-quality green energy cooperation projects. We will strongly support the green and low-carbon development of energy in developing countries and deeply engage in the global energy transition and transformation. We will fully consider the green energy development needs of Belt and Road countries, continue to expand the coordination of green energy strategies, and encourage enterprises to go overseas to launch green energy cooperation. We will adopt trade, project contracting, investment, and technology cooperation in accordance with local conditions to launch cooperation among three or more markets. We will promote the construction of a batch of green energy best-practice projects that will produce sufficient financial returns and serve as illustrious examples in order to help realize the vision of sustainable energy for everyone.
Moreover, we will actively participate in cooperation on global energy governance. We will uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits and jointly build the Belt and Road energy partnership. By means of flagship activities such as the Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference and the Belt and Road Energy Partnership Forum, we will advance energy policy exchanges and project matching to promote mutually beneficial energy cooperation. We will strengthen regional cooperation and work to develop and make good use of energy cooperation platforms between China and the Arab League, the African Union, Central and Eastern European countries, and APEC countries. We will advance the establishment of the China-ASEAN clean energy cooperation center and promote exchange activities and capacity building in the area of clean energy to promote the common development and prosperity of energy in all countries. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thank you to all speakers and friends from the media. See you.
Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Wei, Zhang Rui, Zhou Jing, Yang Xi, Qin Qi, Zhang Junmian, Liu Caiyi, Liu Qiang, Ma Yujia, Huang Shan, Yan Xiaoqing, Liu Sitong, Zhu Bochen, Cui Can, Yuan Fang, Xu Kailin, Wang Yiming, Li Huiru, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
