A special review on China and the status of renewable energyRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil. in its provinces has been launched recently by the Sustainable EnergyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. Regulation Network (SERN) at REEEPThe Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) is a non-profit, specialist change agent aiming to catalyse the market for renewable energy and energy efficiency, with a primary focus on emerging markets and developing countries.’s Wilton Park Conference 2010.

SERN operates as a sub-network of REEEP for those involved in energy regulation. Each year, it publishes an annual review of energy policies and regulation around the world. This year, a special review has been published on China, the second largest energy producer and consumer in the world, where installed capacity has increased by 11% annually and powerUseful energy can be mechanical energy, for example powering a fan. generation by 11.5% annually since 1998.

China has taken a number of measures during this time to increase energy efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. and the contribution of renewable energy sourcesRenewable energy harnesses energy that is available to us infinitely, from sources like wind or lunar energy. to the growing demand. In October 2007, the National People’s Congress made significant modifications to the Energy Conservation LawLaws regulating everything that is concerning the environment and the conservation thereof. (1997), making this law one of few in the world requiring practical implementation to promote comprehensive energy conservation and providing the legal basis for long-term resource conservation in China.

For instance, new rules for electricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons. system dispatch have been set. The new dispatch order, called environmental dispatch or efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. dispatch, gives preferential treatment to cleaner plants. It requires non-emitting resources to operate first, then low-emissionsEmissions of greenhouse gases, greenhouse gas precursors, and aerosols associated with human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, land-use changes, livestock, fertilisation, etc. (IPCC) resources, and, lastly, the higher emitting units.

As part of its efforts to reduce energy intensity and restructure the power sector, the government established a policy of closing small, inefficient coal plants.

China has also a differential pricing policy for energy intensive industries. The policy, which was initiated in 2004, links prices that large industrial consumers pay for electricity to the efficiency of their production. There are limits on the development of energy-intensive industries to prevent both the deployment of inefficient technologies and the construction of energy-inefficient factories.

In January 2010 a new National Energy Committee (NEC) was established to step up energy strategic decision-making, overall planning and coordination.

To learn more download the review, which is available for free from the SERN section of this website