China to cut 15 percent of energy consumption by 2020

Cutting energy consumption 15 percent by 2020 for every 10,000 yuan ($1,458) output in gross domestic product, compared to 2015 levels, is the goal of a work plan released on Thursday by the State Council, China's cabinet.

The plan, signed by Premier Li Keqiang, sets the target for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) on energy conservation and emission reduction, including energy consumption to be within 5 billion metric tons of standard coal by 2020.

As part of 11 measures stipulated in the plan, industrial and energy structures will be prioritized by promoting the upgrading of traditional industries, developing new industries and reducing the ratio of coal in total energy consumption. Coal will be used more efficiently, and recyclable energy sources will be encouraged.

According to the plan, the country will continue upgrading industry by cutting high-emission industries and promoting new sectors. These include cutting-edge information technology, new materials and energy, biotechnology, energy-saving and the digital creativity industry.

Meanwhile, recyclable sectors will get a greater focus in the years to 2020, while waste disposal in urban areas and utilization of solid waste will be strengthened.