China issued an energy strategy for the upcoming years on Wednesday, and a long list of targets in the hope of building a modern energy structure.
The Energy Development Strategy Action Plan (2014-2020) released by the State Council, promises more efficient, self-sufficient, green and innovative energy production and consumption, with a cap on annual primary energy consumption set at 4.8 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent until 2020.
Annual coal consumption will be held below 4.2 billion tonnes until 2020, 16.3 per cent more than the 3.6 billion tonnes burned last year, according to the National Coal Association.
The share of non-fossil fuels in the total primary energy mix will rise to 15 per cent by the same year from 9.8 per cent in 2013, according to the plan.
The share of natural gas will be raised to above 10 per cent and that of coal will be reduced to under 62 per cent. Production of both shale gas and coalbed methane could reach 30 billion cubic meters by 2020.
Construction of new nuclear power plants in eastern coastal areas will begin at a proper time after feasibility studies of building such plants in inland regions. Installed nuclear power capacity will reach 58 gigawatts and that under construction will top 30 gigawatts by 2020.
Installed capacity of hydro-, wind and solar power is expected to stand at 350 gigawatts, 200 gigawatts and 100 gigawatts, respectively.
Energy self-sufficiency will be boosted to around 85 per cent.
