China mulls legislation to boost energy exploitation
Chinese lawmakers received a draft energy law on Tuesday that aims to boost the exploitation and utilisation of energy, according to Xinhua. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s national legislature, is currently reviewing this proposal in an ongoing session.
The draft, which comprises 69 articles spread across nine chapters, outlines a comprehensive plan for energy development.
It covers a wide range of areas, including energy exploitation and utilisation, the energy market, energy reserves, emergency response, and scientific and technological innovation.
The proposed law underscores the need for adjustments in the energy structure. It advocates for prioritising renewable energies, using fossil energy in a clean and efficient manner, and replacing high-carbon with low-carbon sources.
The draft also includes provisions for achieving clean, efficient, and smart terminal energy consumption and promoting energy development in rural areas.
China’s energy sector is currently facing a multitude of challenges, including issues related to consumption, supply, structural adjustment, the energy market, reserves, and scientific and technological innovation.
According to Wang Peng, the executive president of an energy development institute at the North China Electric Power University, the draft law is crucial for fostering high-quality energy development and ensuring national energy security.
