China has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a cleaner, more secure and technologically advanced energy system by 2030, setting new targets to accelerate its transition away from fossil fuels while strengthening energy security.
The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, outlines the country's energy strategy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030. It aims to establish what Beijing describes as a "clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient" energy system by the end of the decade.
Under the blueprint, China's total energy production capacity is expected to reach 5.8 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent by 2030. The government also plans to significantly improve the resilience and reliability of the national power system while expanding the role of renewable energy.
The plan sets several key targets for the end of the decade. Non-fossil fuels are expected to account for 25% of total energy consumption, while wind and solar power should make up more than half of China's installed electricity generation capacity. Beijing also expects non-fossil sources to generate 50% of the country's electricity by 2030, up from the current target of 42.3% for 2025.
China said coal and oil consumption would reach their peak levels during the period, marking another step towards its broader climate goals. The country has pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
A central feature of the strategy is the creation of a new power system capable of handling a much larger share of renewable energy. The government plans to accelerate the construction of modern energy infrastructure, including smarter electricity networks, energy storage facilities and upgraded transmission systems to connect renewable energy projects with major population centres.
The plan also places strong emphasis on technological self-reliance. China aims to make key technologies and equipment across the energy supply chain largely self-sufficient while positioning itself at the forefront of global energy innovation. Officials have increasingly linked energy development with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
Beijing also intends to deepen market reforms by establishing a unified national electricity market system and improving pricing mechanisms to better support the transition to cleaner energy. Officials say the reforms will help improve the allocation of energy resources across the country and encourage greater efficiency.
The strategy calls for continued optimisation of fossil fuel production bases, closer coordination between energy-intensive industries and energy development, and the expansion of diversified energy import routes to strengthen long-term energy security.
The plan could also create opportunities for countries such as Bangladesh, which is seeking greater Chinese investment and technology transfer in renewable energy and manufacturing. As China expands production of solar panels, batteries and other clean energy technologies, costs could continue to fall, making renewable energy projects more affordable for developing economies. Analysts say Bangladesh could benefit through increased investment in green industries, improved access to renewable energy technology and stronger cooperation in areas such as power infrastructure, energy storage and low-carbon industrial development.
China is already the world's largest producer of renewable energy and has built the fastest-growing clean energy system globally. The latest plan signals that the country intends to further expand its leadership in renewable energy while balancing economic growth, energy security and climate commitments over the coming decade.
