China eyes new phase of green transition

As China continues its efforts to transition toward a more sustainable economy, the country is preparing for a new phase of green development, said the country's government officials.

"The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) marks a pivotal period for China's green transition, with the country set to achieve its carbon peak target," said Wang Shancheng, director of the Department of Resource Conservation and Environmental Protection at the National Development and Reform Commission, during a news conference on Friday.

Wang added that the future work plan will focus on four main areas including advancing carbon emission control, accelerating energy transformation, fostering industrial upgrades, and promoting sustainable production and consumption practices.

"The green transformation is not about patching up the traditional approach, but about breaking free from outdated production and consumption models that rely on mass production, high emissions, and excessive consumption," Wang said.

"The goal is to align energy, resources, and production with sustainable development, achieving a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental protection," he added.

China has witnessed remarkable progress in its green and low-carbon transformation during the past five years. According to data from the National Energy Administration, the country has more than doubled its non-fossil energy generation capacity during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), with wind and solar power reaching 1.73 billion kilowatts — three times the amount in 2020.

"Currently, for every 10 kWh of electricity generated, 4 kWh comes from non-fossil sources," said Ren Yuzhi, spokesman for the NEA.

Beyond production, the nation is also seeing significant breakthroughs in energy technology, Ren added. For example, the world's first commercial high-temperature gas-cooled reactor has begun operations, while new energy storage capacity has surpassed 100 million kW. Additionally, innovations in energy usage, such as green electricity direct linking and smart micro-grids, are also providing new options for both businesses and consumers, Ren said.

As part of its ongoing commitment to global climate action, China recently updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). In September, the country set a target to reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent to 10 percent from peak levels by 2035, with the ambition to do even better.

"This is a significant commitment from China, showing our great determination and contribution to global climate change efforts," said Li Gao, vice-minister of ecology and environment, at the news conference.

Li added that as the starting points for emission reductions differ from country to country, for example, the European Union achieved its carbon peak in the 1990s, comparing their current NDC targets with China's "is not a fair comparison at all".