By Li Jing and Fu Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-06 09:25

"Fortunately, there is now a much more widespread awareness of the need to protect the environment," Zhou said.

Based on that, China can accelerate its progress and achieve better results, he said.

In his report, Wen also outlined the government's plans to continue to close down backward production facilities in the electricity, steel, cement, coal and papermaking industries, and replace them with facilities that employ advanced production techniques.

Last year, China consumed about 2.65 billion TEC, up 7.8 percent on 2006, according to the National Bureau of Statistics 2007 communique.

Progress has been made in recent years, industry observers said, by shutting down both small thermal power plants and large numbers of old and small-scale coal mines, iron and steel mills, and cement plants.

Wen said the country will continue to focus on energy conservation in key enterprises and in the construction of major projects. It will also develop more energy conservation and emission reduction technologies, as well as clean and renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

In his report, the premier also discussed pollution control in major river valleys and regions, and the protection of rural drinking water.

Stricter national standards will be applied, he promised.

"We will enhance public awareness of the importance of a culture of conservation and encourage the entire nation to participate in building a resource-conserving and environmentally friendly society," Wen said.

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