China will loosen curbs on energy consumption to ensure climate and environmental goals do not slow down future economic growth, according to a policy document issued after the annual Central Economic Work Conference, a meeting of the country’s top leaders. China will also introduce carbon dioxide emission caps from overall energy use to meet its environmental targets instead of setting energy consumption limits.
China has set national and regional targets for total energy use and energy intensity. However, some provinces have struggled to meet their targets. At the same time, new restrictions caused widespread power outages. The document said China would exempt newly added renewable capacity and “feedstock energy” from any energy consumption cap to ensure energy supplies. The document did not specify what would be included in “feedstock energy.”
Analysts said the new policy represents China’s renewed view in curbing its carbon emissions. In August, China’s top decision-making body said it would reach the country’s peak carbon and carbon neutrality targets in an “orderly” manner. Analysts noted that Beijing would likely set a total carbon emission cap, but the time frame remained unclear.
