Editorial | China seeks right mix for energy-intensive economy it yearns
- Legislation finally being reviewed by Beijing not only addresses power generation and climate change, but also security and self-reliance amid rivalry with West
For 18 years, China has been drafting legislation to govern security, innovation and corporate activity in the energy sector as it orchestrates a shift to low-carbon power and sustainable development.
Long stalled by vested traditional energy interests, the State Council has finally sent a draft to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for review.
The slow and incremental action belies the rapid advances taking place in the sector aimed at helping China meet its net-zero emissions by 2060, when it plans on having 80 per cent of its energy mix coming from non-fossil fuel. It had already surpassed 50 per cent by the end of last year.
It is not just about climate change. Beijing also wants to improve security, reduce reliance on energy imports, and become more self-reliant in the face of a growing rivalry with the West, led by the United States.
Regarding China as a strategic competitor, Washington has contested Chinese steel imports and banned high-end semiconductor exports.
China’s new-energy exports have not been spared from tensions – the US has complained about overcapacity in solar panels, electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries.
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