The Chinese mainland has introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at accelerating its green transition across all economic and social sectors. Released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, the 33-point plan outlines a clear path towards a sustainable future.
By 2030, the Chinese mainland aims to achieve remarkable progress in green transition, establishing a green, low-carbon, and circular economic system by 2035. This initiative is a key component of the broader vision to realize the goal of Beautiful China.
Director Liu Qiong of the National Energy Conservation Center highlighted that the word 'comprehensive' underscores the integration of green transition into the overall economic and social development framework. This approach is expected to enhance China's new development advantages and create a more competitive modern economic system on the global stage.
The guidelines set forth specific quantitative targets, including expanding the energy conservation and environmental protection industry to approximately 15 trillion yuan (about $2.1 trillion) by 2030. Additionally, the proportion of non-fossil energy in total energy consumption is set to reach around 25 percent, and the installed capacity of pumped storage hydropower is projected to exceed 120 million kilowatts.
Building World-Class Green Industrial Clusters
To meet these objectives, the guidelines propose the development of world-class green and low-carbon industrial clusters in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Yangtze River Delta region. These regions, already home to sectors like energy-saving, environmental protection, new energy vehicles, and clean energy industries, will leverage their strong industrial foundations and export-oriented economies to advance green initiatives.
The guidelines also emphasize the role of digitalization in driving green transformation. By expanding the use of artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the industrial internet in various sectors such as power systems, industrial and agricultural production, transportation, and construction, the Chinese mainland aims to power the green transition with cutting-edge technology.
Promoting Green Consumption
For the first time, the guidelines systematically address green consumption. Strategies include expanding government procurement of green products, promoting trade-in programs to encourage consumer spending on sustainable products, and launching marketing campaigns for new energy vehicles and green home appliances in rural areas.
On the supply side, the focus will be on green design, materials, manufacturing, packaging, logistics, and recycling to minimize energy and material use while reducing ecological impact. Additionally, the guidelines call for enhancing incentive mechanisms for green consumption and strengthening certification management for green products and services, aiming to stimulate greater consumer engagement in sustainability.
Reference(s):
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