China strives to cut its energy consumption

Beijing, Oct 5 (IANS) China’s target to cut its energy consumption per unit of GDP by five percent this year is ‘within reach’, an official said.

In order to tackle climate change, the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) set an objective of reducing energy consumption per unit of GDP by 20 percent in 2010 as compared to 2005, China Daily reported Tuesday.

Xie Zhenhua, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, said: ‘We only achieved a cut of 15.6 percent by the end of 2009, so we have to cut the remaining 5 percent this year to reach our target.’

Speaking at a press conference during the UN Climate Change Conference in Tianjin, Xie said: ‘It’s very challenging to further cut energy use and reach the set goal.’

As many as 18 municipalities, provinces and autonomous regions were going to meet the target. But, six to seven provincial-level administrative areas were facing challenges.

‘It’s a legally binding target. To meet it, we have to adopt active measures, including phasing out obsolete equipment and upgrading facilities,’ Xie was quoted as saying.

Dai Bingguo, a state councillor, said that the country will achieve its goal by restructuring the economy, conserving energy and improving the efficiency of its use.

Yang Ailun, climate and energy campaign manager for Greenpeace China, said: ‘China is in the process of mapping its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15), which will include concrete action. We expect new domestic measures and financial input during the next five years.’