China Electric Power News:

Data shows that from 2013 to 2023, China maintained an average annual economic growth rate of 6% with an average annual energy consumption growth rate of 3.2%. Meanwhile, China's energy intensity decreased by a total of 26.1%, making it one of the fastest countries in the world in reducing energy intensity. How has China's energy usage evolved compared with the past? And what measures will be taken to consolidate this positive trend? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for your questions. I would like to invite Mr. Li to answer your questions.

Li Chuangjun:

Thank you for your questions. Green is the cornerstone of ecological civilization, and China firmly upholds and practices the belief that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Since General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the new energy security strategy of "Four Reforms and One Cooperation" in 2014, China has undertaken a series of green innovation initiatives, leading to an accelerated transformation in energy consumption patterns. As Mr. Zhang mentioned earlier, this transformation is primarily reflected in three key areas:

First, energy utilization has become more streamlined and efficient. China has consistently adhered to the principle of prioritizing energy conservation, enhancing efficiency in key energy-consuming sectors, and firmly curbing unreasonable energy consumption. Over the past decade, China has become one of the fastest countries in reducing energy intensity globally, resulting in an approximate saving of 1.4 billion metric tons of standard coal. As you mentioned, we have supported an average annual economic growth rate of 6% with an average annual energy consumption growth rate of 3.2%.

Second, the shift toward cleaner, low-carbon energy consumption has accelerated. The energy consumption structure has continued to optimize. Over the past decade, the proportion of coal consumption has decreased by a total of 12.1 percentage points, while non-fossil fuel consumption has more than doubled, with the level of electrification increasing by about 7 percentage points. In 2023, China's wind and PV power generation exceeded the electricity consumption of urban and rural residents, meaning that one-third of the electricity consumed nationwide was green electricity. The quality of oil products has achieved a three-level upgrade from the National III to National VI standards, and the population using natural gas has increased by 300 million, reaching 560 million people. Additionally, pilot applications of nuclear energy for heating and steam supply have been successfully implemented.

Finally, the concept of green energy consumption has rapidly taken shape. China actively promotes green and low-carbon lifestyles, vigorously advocates the excellent Chinese tradition of diligence and thrift, and is fostering a shift in lifestyle and consumption patterns toward simplicity, moderation, green, low-carbon and healthy living. We have launched campaigns to promote green living, organized themed activities such as National Ecology Day, stepped up efforts to promote green and low-carbon products, and encouraged the public to prioritize green transportation methods such as public transportation, cycling and walking.

Since the beginning of this year, documents such as the national guidelines to ramp up the green transition of socio-economic development and the action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction for 2024-2025 have been implemented. These documents provide comprehensive guidance on promoting green transformation in key sectors, including industrial layout, spatial patterns, technological innovation and policy support. Going forward, we will ensure the effective implementation of these measures, actively expand green consumption, and accelerate the formation of green and low-carbon production and lifestyles. Thank you.