Energy conservation and emissions reduction in China—Progress and prospective

Energy conservation (EC) has been taken as basic state policy in China for more than 20 years and China achieves 3.9% annual energy saving from 1980 to 2005. In 2006 China Central Government firstly set up a binding target of reducing GDP energy intensity by 20% in its 11th Five-Year-Plan (FYP). At the end of 2010, 19.1% reduction in energy intensity has been achieved, which is 95% of the target and means 608 million tons stand coal equivalence (sce) saved, 1510 million tons CO2 emission reduced, 300 billion RMB¥ saving in energy bill and vast saving in infrastructure investment. This paper is systematical review and prospective analysis on energy policy issue in China. Review on policy evolution and progress of EC and Emission Reduction (ER) in China during the 11th FYP periods is presented in detail. Outlook of energy demand and supply into 2050 is presented and the roadmap to realize sustainable energy development is drafted to set the framing constraints for Chinaʹs energy policy options. Rationality and feasibility analysis on newly formulated 12th FYP EC and ER target is also addressed. Then lessons from the 11th FYP periods are drawn and factors underlying and limiting the policy formulation and implementation are discussed in details to probe the policy predicament and solutions. Finally policy suggestions are proposed for long-term successful implementation of EC and ER in China.