On October 30, a significant step was taken in China's energy landscape as the National Development and Reform Commission and five other departments unveiled the "Guiding Opinions on Vigorously Implementing Renewable Energy Substitution Actions". This document not only sets out long-term development goals for renewable energy but also signals a major shift in the country's approach to energy
On October 30, a significant step was taken in China's energy landscape as the National Development and Reform Commission and five other departments unveiled the "Guiding Opinions on Vigorously Implementing Renewable Energy Substitution Actions". This document not only sets out long-term development goals for renewable energy but also signals a major shift in the country's approach to energy consumption.
The goal of achieving a national renewable energy consumption of over 1.1 billion tons of standard coal by 2025 and over 1.5 billion tons by 2030 is a bold one, effectively underpinning China's commitment to carbon peaking by 2030. Unlike previous initiatives that focused mainly on electric substitution, the new "Guiding Opinions" emphasize a diverse range of alternatives. This includes the coordinated promotion of renewable energy integration across industries such as transportation, construction, agriculture, and rural areas, while also advancing multi-faceted developments in power generation, heating, gas production, and hydrogen production.
This shift in China's terminal energy consumption from a primarily electric substitution model to a more diversified clean alternative approach that encompasses electricity, hydrogen, ammonia, and more, is a crucial step forward. The "Guiding Opinions" also identify key supported types of renewable energy. It encourages the localized development of biogas and biodiesel, along with green fuels like bio-jet fuel. At the same time, it promotes the orderly growth of renewable hydrogen production and advocates for the efficient utilization of geothermal resources and the large-scale use of wave energy and tidal current energy.
Infrastructure improvements are also on the agenda. Heat supply networks, gas pipelines, and hydrogen supply networks need to be enhanced to improve interconnectivity and facilitate greater acceptance of non-electric renewable energies in the vicinity. Hydrogen, in particular, is highlighted for its abundant sources and its green, low-carbon nature with wide applications. It is truly one of the most promising clean energies of the 21st century and an important direction for the future development of China's energy sector. According to the "China Hydrogen Development Report (2023)" by the National Energy Administration's Science Department, by the end of 2023, China's hydrogen production capacity exceeded 49 million tons per year, with an output surpassing 35 million tons, registering a year-on-year increase of around 2.3%. The China Hydrogen Alliance predicts that by 2025, the value of China's hydrogen industry will reach one trillion yuan, and from 2026 to 2035, it will grow to five trillion yuan.
As China continues to lead the way in energy transition, it is setting an example for the rest of the world. The efforts to diversify energy sources and promote sustainable development are not only crucial for addressing climate change but also for ensuring a stable and prosperous future for generations to come.