National Energy Administration: Accelerate the development of a new-type power system and comprehensively enhance the power system's ability to integrate and adapt to new energy sources.

On August 26, the State Council Information Office held a series of thematic press conferences titled "High-Quality Implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan." Wang Hongzhi, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the National Development and Reform Commission and Director of the National Energy Administration, presented achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Attendees included Wan Jingsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration; Du Zhongming, Director of the Electricity Department; and Li Chuangjun, Director of the New Energy and Renewable Energy Department, who also answered questions from reporters.

 

Wang Hongzhi stated, "The 14th Five-Year Plan period will be the fastest five years for our green and low-carbon transformation. We have built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, with the proportion of renewable energy capacity increasing from 40% to around 60%. Meanwhile, newly installed wind and solar power capacities have successively surpassed the milestones of 100 million, 200 million, and 300 million kilowatts annually, achieving a stepwise, leapfrog development—experiencing growth rates and intensities that are unprecedented in scale and scope."

 

"The 14th Five-Year Plan period is set to be a five-year span of even greater breakthroughs in energy technology innovation. Technologies and equipment such as new energy are now leading the world, with China accounting for more than 40% of global patents in this field. Meanwhile, advancements like photovoltaic conversion efficiency and the single-unit capacity of offshore wind turbines continue to shatter world records. And in just a few short years, China has surged to become the global leader in the scale of new energy storage systems."
 

 

During the Q&A session with reporters, Du Zhongming pointed out that, in response to the intermittent, random, and fluctuating characteristics of wind and photovoltaic power generation, they will accelerate the development of a new-type power system and comprehensively enhance the power system's ability to adapt to renewable energy sources. Key priorities include focusing on five specific areas of work:

 

First, stability in wind and solar power is essential. Given the inherently unstable nature of new energy generation, we must accelerate the development of system-friendly renewable energy plants. By improving the accuracy of wind and solar power forecasting, we can ensure that both power plants and the grid maintain a clear understanding of supply and demand. Additionally, adopting an integrated multi-energy complementary development model—combining wind, solar, hydro, and thermal power—and implementing coordinated control operations will enhance the autonomous regulation and proactive support capabilities of wind and photovoltaic power generation.

 

Second, the system must be robust. Building on diversified approaches to new energy development—such as categorized guidance and rational planning that balances centralized and distributed systems—we will collaboratively strengthen the construction of the main grid, distribution networks, and microgrids. This will enhance the grid's overall capacity to accommodate large-scale renewable energy integration. We will also actively advance the development of inter-provincial transmission channels and flexible inter-provincial mutual assistance projects, reinforcing the backbone grid structure while accelerating the modernization and upgrading of distribution networks. Additionally, we’ll promote smart microgrid initiatives tailored to local conditions. Meanwhile, through next-generation coal power upgrades, pumped-storage hydro, and innovative energy storage solutions, we’ll significantly boost the power system’s ability to regulate and balance supply and demand.

 

Third, the market must be large. We need to accelerate the establishment of a nationwide, unified electricity market system, refine power market mechanisms that align with the unique characteristics of new energy generation, and support the participation of high proportions of new energy in market activities, thereby expanding the scale of market-based trading for renewable energy. Additionally, we should optimize inter-provincial power trading, strengthen regional capabilities for mutual assistance and resource sharing, and promote the more efficient allocation of new energy across broader geographic areas.

 

Fourth, electricity usage must be flexible. Fully leverage the flexible adjustment capabilities on the demand side, steadily expand the aggregation scale of virtual power plants, and broaden the large-scale application of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interactions, thereby better facilitating the local consumption of new energy resources.

 

Fifth, policies must deliver strong support. We will deepen the reform of the electricity system and mechanisms, promoting the transmission and consumption of new energy while simultaneously fostering new business models—such as direct green-power connections—that enable local consumption of renewable energy, thereby expanding the scenarios for new-energy integration and enhancing the efficiency of renewable-resource utilization.

 

In addition, while continuously enhancing the ability to integrate new energy sources into the power grid, we will also actively explore non-electric applications of new energy, promoting the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen produced via wind and solar power. Furthermore, we will extend these efforts into areas such as green hydrogen-based metallurgy, green synthesis of ammonia, green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel, thereby opening up new avenues for energy consumption.

 

 

The full text is shown below:

 

 

Zhou Shengjian, Deputy Director of the News Bureau and Spokesperson for the State Council Information Office ：

 

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Welcome to the press conference held by the Information Office of the State Council. Today, we continue our series of thematic press conferences titled "High-Quality Implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan." Joining us today is Mr. Wang Hongzhi, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the National Development and Reform Commission and Director of the National Energy Administration. He will share with you the remarkable achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and address any questions you may have. Also attending today’s event are: Mr. Wan Jinsong, Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration; Mr. Du Zhongming, Director of the Electricity Department; and Mr. Li Chuangjun, Director of the New Energy and Renewable Energy Department.

 

Now, please welcome Mr. Wang Hongzhi to introduce himself.

 

 

Wang Hongzhi, Member of the Party Leadership Group of the National Development and Reform Commission and Director of the National Energy Administration ：

 

Good morning,各位 media friends! First of all, on behalf of the National Energy Administration, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued attention and support over the years!

 

Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and guided by the new energy security strategy of "Four Revolutions and One Cooperation," China's energy sector has achieved groundbreaking progress and historic accomplishments. The key targets outlined in the "Outline" of the 14th Five-Year Plan—such as comprehensive energy production capacity and the share of non-fossil fuels—are on track to be met as scheduled. Meanwhile, energy security for our more than 1.4 billion people has been effectively safeguarded, while green and low-carbon development has drawn global attention. As a result, China has emerged as a major driving force behind the global energy transition. Let me now introduce four key areas of progress.

 

First, the 14th Five-Year Plan marks a five-year period of more abundant and resilient energy supply. In the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s incremental energy consumption has already reached 1.5 times the total increase during the entire 13th Five-Year Plan. It is projected that the country’s additional electricity demand over the next five years will surpass the annual electricity consumption of the entire European Union. To meet this rapidly growing energy demand, we have accelerated the development of a comprehensive energy production, supply, storage, and marketing system, ensuring both ample supply and stable prices. In 2024, China’s national power generation exceeded 10 trillion kilowatt-hours, accounting for one-third of the global total. Meanwhile, the nation’s total energy output—equivalent to roughly 5 billion tons of standard coal—made up more than one-fifth of the world’s energy production, firmly safeguarding the "quantity sufficiency and price stability" of our energy supply. Over these past five years, energy resource allocation has become even more optimized. A robust energy infrastructure network, spanning east to west, north to south, and connecting overseas regions, has been further refined. This has not only expedited the transformation of resource advantages in central and western China into developmental strengths but also provided solid energy support for major economic provinces, enabling them to shoulder greater responsibilities. In eastern China, as much as 40% of energy consumption is met through critical "energy arteries," including the "West-to-East Power Transmission," "West-to-East Gas Pipeline," and "North-to-South Coal Transportation" initiatives. Moreover, we’ve strengthened efforts to ensure reliable electricity, oil, and gas supplies for people’s daily lives, actively addressing bottlenecks and challenges along the way. As a result, residents’ ability to secure their energy needs has steadily improved. During the 14th Five-Year Plan, we’ve built the world’s largest electric vehicle charging network, with two charging stations available for every five vehicles on the road—making it easier and more convenient for people to recharge their cars. Finally, we’ve remained vigilant in responding to extreme natural disasters, swiftly restoring energy supplies to protect the "lifeline" of energy access for households and communities.

 

Second, the 14th Five-Year Plan period has been the fastest five years for China’s green and low-carbon transformation. We have built the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, with the share of renewable energy capacity in total installed power capacity rising from 40% to around 60%. Annual新增 wind and solar power installations have successively surpassed the milestones of 100 million, 200 million, and 300 million kilowatts, achieving leapfrog growth at unprecedented speed and scale. Meanwhile, energy consumption is steadily shifting toward greener sources—today, for every three kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed nationwide, one kilowatt-hour comes from clean, green energy. On a national level, the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption has been increasing by 1 percentage point each year, on track to surpass the 20% target set for the 14th Five-Year Plan. At the same time, coal’s share has been declining by 1 percentage point annually. This dual trend—rising green energy use while reducing reliance on coal—has significantly enhanced the “green content” of our economic development. Moreover, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s exports of wind and solar products have helped other countries collectively reduce carbon emissions by approximately 4.1 billion tons, making a substantial contribution to the global transition toward a low-carbon future.

 

Third, the 14th Five-Year Plan period will see even greater breakthroughs in energy technology innovation. Technologies and equipment such as new energy sources are already leading globally—China now holds more than 40% of the world’s total patents in this field. Meanwhile, advancements like photovoltaic conversion efficiency and the single-unit capacity of offshore wind turbines continue to shatter global records. In just a few years, China has surged to become the world’s largest player in advanced energy storage systems. Meanwhile, landmark projects such as the Baihetan Hydropower Station, the self-developed Generation III nuclear reactors “Hualong One” and “Guohe One,” and the cutting-edge fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor have been completed and put into operation, earning their titles as “the world’s largest” or “the world’s first.” Additionally, oil and gas exploration has achieved unprecedented milestones, breaking through the 10,000-meter barrier in deep-earth drilling and venturing into the 1,000-meter-deep-sea frontier. These "national strategic assets" underscore China’s robust capabilities in scientific and technological innovation. At the same time, innovative business models and industries are thriving, with smart microgrids and virtual power plants rapidly gaining momentum. Pilot programs for large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration are accelerating, while the energy sector is increasingly converging with industries like manufacturing and transportation. As a result, entirely new fields and growth opportunities continue to emerge, becoming a vital source of impetus for the development of China’s new-quality productivity.

 

Fourth, the 14th Five-Year Plan period has been marked by deepening energy reforms and steadily strengthening development momentum. The institutional mechanisms and policy frameworks have accelerated their restructuring, with the nationwide unified electricity market construction entering "high gear." Coal-fired power and new energy sources are now fully integrated into the market, and all industrial and commercial users have joined the trading system. Meanwhile, the initial framework of a nationwide, interconnected oil and gas network has taken shape. Additionally, the Energy Law has been enacted and implemented, further enhancing macroeconomic energy regulation and industry governance mechanisms. As a result, market vitality is rapidly being unleashed—currently, the number of registered entities operating in the electricity market has reached 970,000, five times the figure from 2020. To boost the growth of private-sector energy enterprises, ten specific measures have been introduced. Notably, the vast majority of photovoltaic equipment manufacturers and more than 60% of wind turbine producers are privately owned. In some nuclear power projects, private companies even hold stakes as high as 20%. Clearly, private enterprises have emerged as a vital force driving the transformative shift in China’s energy sector.

 

Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, facing a complex and ever-changing global and domestic energy landscape, we have firmly secured our energy supply, forging China’s unique path toward high-quality energy development—and providing a Chinese solution to the global energy transition. Moving forward, we will remain steadfastly guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, energetically advancing the construction of a new-type energy system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, accelerating efforts to build a robust energy powerhouse, and delivering strong energy support for China’s pursuit of modernization with Chinese characteristics.

 

Let me introduce these first—thank you, everyone!

 

Zhou Jianshe:

 

Thank you, Mr. Wang Hongzhi, for the introduction. Now, please feel free to ask your questions—before doing so, kindly state your affiliated news organization.

 

CCTV reporter from China Media Group ：

 

We’ve noticed that China’s electricity demand has continuously reached new highs this summer, yet the power grid has remained remarkably stable. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, our country’s energy self-sufficiency rate has consistently stayed above 80%. Could you explain what these 80% signify? And how do we assess the current strength and resilience of China’s energy supply system? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you for your question. Let me answer it.

 

Just concluded was the critical period of "late July to early August," during which the country experienced widespread extreme weather conditions—including intense heatwaves, torrential rains and flooding, as well as powerful typhoons. Meanwhile, China's economy continued its steady recovery and improvement, placing even greater demands on ensuring a stable energy supply. In July, China's monthly electricity consumption surpassed the 1 trillion kilowatt-hour mark for the first time—a figure that, when put into perspective, equals Japan's entire annual electricity usage combined. This milestone has drawn significant attention from both domestic and international media. Now that the peak summer demand period has largely wrapped up, China's power supply remains stable and orderly. In fact, it’s safe to say that our energy security has not only "withstood the peak" but also "covered the bottom line." Overall, China's ability and resilience in guaranteeing energy supplies have already reached an impressive level, as evidenced by "three strong pillars":

 

First, China has strong capabilities for self-sufficiency. During the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, driven by factors such as the rapid growth of emerging industries, China’s energy demand surged, with cumulative consumption increasing by 980 million tons of standard coal—equivalent to the combined annual energy use of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the National Energy Administration, together with relevant departments, has taken a strategic approach from the perspectives of national development and security. This includes strengthening the coal-based safety net, tapping into domestic oil and gas reserves to boost production, and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources. These multifaceted measures have significantly enhanced the stability and security of China’s energy supply chain. As a result, domestic energy production has intensified and accelerated, enabling China to meet over 90% of its growing energy demand through self-reliant, domestically sourced resources. Notably, new energy sources have played a pivotal role, contributing to two key milestones: nearly 50% of the nation’s新增发电量 came from new energy, while non-fossil energy supplies expanded by nearly 50%. This has further solidified China’s core energy self-sufficiency base and continuously boosted the "green content" of its energy mix.

 

Additionally, it boasts strong operational and regulatory capabilities. Currently, China has established a relatively comprehensive energy production, supply, storage, and distribution system, along with robust mechanisms to ensure stable supply and prices. At the same time, our nation's energy reserve capacity continues to grow steadily, while the nationwide integrated oil-and-gas network is rapidly taking shape. Meanwhile, large-scale power grids are fully leveraging their resource allocation and regulation functions. A number of inter-provincial power-sharing projects and supportive, flexible power-generation facilities have been completed, gradually enhancing electricity users' ability to respond effectively. In recent years, despite frequent international geopolitical conflicts and significant fluctuations in global energy supply and demand, China has managed to maintain a steady and orderly balance between energy supply, demand, and public energy consumption needs.

 

Finally, our emergency support capabilities are robust. In recent years, extreme weather events and natural disasters have occurred frequently around the globe. To address this, we’ve strategically established a national-level power emergency support system, establishing four regional power emergency bases in Sichuan-Chongqing-Tibet, Southern China, North China, and East China. We’ve also prioritized enhancing our emergency coal, oil, and gas supply capacities. As a result, the energy and power systems have consistently maintained stable and reliable operations, ensuring that no large-scale power outages have occurred nationwide. Especially during periods of extreme disaster impacts, our nation has united as one, responding decisively and effectively. Energy infrastructure was swiftly restored, enabling rapid resumption of supply—providing critical support for emergency rescue efforts and helping to keep the economy and society running smoothly. This remarkable resilience not only underscores the inherent strengths of our socialist system but also reaffirms our collective determination to safeguard national stability and prosperity. Thank you!

 

Beijing Youth Daily reporter ：

 

China's energy-rich regions are concentrated in the central and western areas, while the load centers are located in the eastern region. This situation places significant demands on the nation's ability to optimize the nationwide allocation of energy resources. I’d like to ask: During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, what key steps has China taken toward building a unified national electricity market system? And what are the plans for the future? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Please have Director Chuang answer this question.

 

 

Li Chuangjun, Director-General of the New Energy and Renewable Energy Department of the National Energy Administration ：

 

Thank you, journalist friends, for your attention to the development of China's electricity market. The latest round of power sector reform has now entered its tenth year, and thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties involved, China's electricity market is undergoing an unprecedented and profound transformation. At the heart of this transformation lies the ambitious goal of building a nationwide, unified electricity market—a pivotal move and vibrant practice of China's broader strategy to establish a unified national market, specifically within the energy sector. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, substantial progress and groundbreaking achievements have been made in constructing this nationwide unified electricity market, particularly evident in the following three key areas.

 

First, the nationwide unified electricity market system is accelerating its development. Much like building with blocks, we are steadily and systematically establishing an electricity market that features diverse product categories and comprehensive functionalities. Spatially, this includes both intra-provincial and inter-provincial trading; temporally, it encompasses annual, monthly, intraday, and real-time transactions. In terms of traded products, in addition to basic electricity energy, we also offer ancillary services such as peak-shaving, frequency regulation, and reserve capacity. Notably, this year has seen the realization of regular cross-grid operating area trading, truly enabling "the winds from northern China to light up the lamps in the Bay Area."

 

Second, the nationwide unified electricity market rules are now essentially complete. We have earnestly implemented the CPC Central Committee’s directives on building a unified national market, establishing a foundational “1+6” regulatory framework. At its core is the *Basic Rules for Electricity Market Operations*, supported by three major trading mechanisms—medium- and long-term electricity contracts, spot markets, and ancillary services—and underpinned by robust systems for market registration, metering & settlement, and information disclosure. You could think of this framework as the four critical pillars—or the "foundation" and "skeleton"—of the electricity market. This comprehensive overhaul has fundamentally addressed the previous fragmentation and disparities in local market regulations, effectively dismantling regional protectionism and inter-provincial barriers. As a result, the entire country now shares a unified "standard of measurement" for the electricity market, ensuring openness, transparency, and fair competition across the board. Today, power sales companies can operate seamlessly across the nation: they can register in one region and enjoy nationwide access, significantly reducing operational costs and enabling smoother business expansion.

 

Third, the electricity market has achieved both "quantitative growth and qualitative improvement." Let me share some key data with you: Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China's market-traded electricity volume has more than doubled—from 10.7 trillion kilowatt-hours during the 13th Five-Year Plan period to 23.8 trillion kilowatt-hours today. Meanwhile, the proportion of market-traded electricity in total societal power consumption has steadily risen from 40% in 2020 to over 60% for four consecutive years. This means that roughly two out of every three kilowatt-hours consumed by households and businesses are now directly generated through market transactions. At the same time, market players have been emerging rapidly, much like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. On the generation side, from coal-fired power and new energy sources to gas, nuclear, and hydropower, all have actively entered the market. On the user side, all industrial and commercial consumers have now joined the market, while innovative models—such as independent energy storage systems—are thriving. As a result, a diversified market structure featuring the orderly participation of multiple stakeholders has essentially taken shape.

 

Next, we will continue to effectively leverage the market’s "invisible hand" and the government’s "visible hand," delivering a more optimized and higher-quality electricity supply to drive the growth of the real economy and emerging industries. We are committed to making the nationwide unified power market a pioneering force in China’s broader unified national market, thereby supporting our country’s economy in achieving steady and sustainable progress. Thank you!

 

Reporter for the U.S. International Market News Agency ：

 

Will the shifts in China's economic structure, particularly the rapid growth of emerging industries like electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, lead to increased electricity demand? And will this impact energy restructuring and the country's green transition? What policy measures will be implemented to curb energy consumption?

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you to our journalist friend for the question—please let Director Zhongming answer this one.

 

 

Du Zhongming, Director-General of the Electricity Department at the National Energy Administration ：

 

Thank you for your question! We appreciate the interest foreign friends have shown in China’s energy transition. As you mentioned, since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, advanced manufacturing sectors—such as the “new three” industries represented by electric vehicles—and digital industries like artificial intelligence and big data have driven the rapid growth of our country’s electricity demand. Let me share some figures: In 2024, electricity consumption in China’s new-energy vehicle manufacturing sector increased by 34.3% year-on-year, while electricity use in the internet and related services sector rose by 20.5% over the same period. Moreover, from January to July this year, electricity consumption for EV charging and battery-swapping services surged by more than 40% compared to the previous year. These statistics clearly demonstrate that the thriving development of emerging industries has effectively boosted the share of electricity in our overall energy consumption, facilitating a shift in the energy consumption structure—and, at the same time, accelerating the green transformation of our energy production framework.

 

From the perspective of energy production structure, China has been steadily increasing its supply of non-fossil energy sources, actively promoting complementary multi-energy systems, and accelerating the green and low-carbon transformation of its energy sector. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the share of non-fossil fuel power generation has risen by more than 5 percentage points. Wind and solar power have fully demonstrated their role as the "main force" driving this transition. In the first half of this year, the increase in wind and solar power generation exceeded the overall growth in electricity consumption across society—meaning that the entire additional demand for electricity was met entirely through "wind and sunlight."

 

Looking at the structure of energy consumption, since the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the share of electricity in final energy consumption has increased by about 4 percentage points. To meet the growing electricity demand driven by the widespread adoption of new-energy vehicles in households, we have vigorously promoted the construction of charging infrastructure. As of the end of July, China had deployed 16.696 million charging facilities—10 times more than at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan—and now boasts the largest-scale charging network in the world. At the same time, we actively encourage "driving green cars and using green electricity," offering green power services to new-energy vehicle owners through mechanisms like green certificate trading and green electricity transactions. Additionally, we’ve organized pilot programs in several provinces to explore vehicle-grid interaction applications, enabling electric vehicles to function as mobile "power banks" that help balance electricity supply and demand by smoothing out peak loads and filling valleys. Today, more than half of the world’s new-energy vehicles are on Chinese roads, reflecting how deeply the concepts of green, low-carbon mobility and sustainable energy consumption have taken root in people’s minds.

 

Regarding the electricity consumption issues associated with emerging industries like artificial intelligence that you mentioned, some say, "Behind computing power lies electricity." Indeed, the rapid growth of AI and other cutting-edge sectors relies heavily on a reliable and eco-friendly power supply. We are systematically promoting the deep integration of green energy and computing power, aligning our efforts with the layout of computing infrastructure. By strategically coordinating integrated development of new energy sources, facilitating green certificate and green electricity trading, and enabling direct green power connections, we aim to encourage data centers to increasingly rely on sustainable, green energy solutions.

 

Next, we will take the planning of the "15th Five-Year" New Power System as our guide, adhering to the principle of moderately advancing power infrastructure. We will actively promote rational and green energy consumption, effectively supporting economic and social development as well as meeting the electricity needs for a better quality of life for the people. Together, we’ll strive to make the transition from simply "having access to electricity" to "using electricity efficiently." Thank you!

 

Upstream News Reporter ：

 

Energy development is closely linked to people's well-being. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, what landmark achievements have been made in advancing energy projects that benefit the public—such as the transformation and upgrading of rural energy systems, and the improvement of urban infrastructure? And how can we ensure that the dividends from energy development reach a broader segment of the population? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you for your question. In China’s path to modernization, people’s livelihoods come first. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan began, we have consistently placed meeting the people’s aspirations for a better life at the heart of our work—both as our starting point and ultimate goal. We are firmly committed to strengthening energy security for everyday life, continuously enhancing the public’s sense of gain, happiness, and security when it comes to energy consumption.

 

First, in terms of solidifying the foundation for people's energy needs, we have continuously strengthened infrastructure development. Over the past five years, we have deepened the implementation of the Rural Power Grid Consolidation and Upgrade Project, allocating a total of 25 billion yuan in central budget investments, which has leveraged over 800 billion yuan in overall investment for rural power grids. We’ve also further enhanced the interconnectivity of oil and gas pipeline networks and improved pipeline transportation efficiency, providing a robust guarantee for residents' access to clean energy. Additionally, we’ve actively promoted the decentralized development and utilization of new energy sources to benefit local communities. As of the first half of this year, household photovoltaic installations have reached approximately 180 million kilowatts, generating an annual income increase of about 14 billion yuan for farmers. Meanwhile, we’ve intensified efforts to extend large-scale power grids into remote areas and continued refining off-grid power supply systems on islands and other isolated regions, striving to ensure seamless energy access for every household—the "last mile" of energy provision for people's daily lives.

 

Second, from the perspective of meeting people's daily energy needs, we have been working hard to strengthen our routine energy security measures. We’ve made every effort to tackle challenges posed by energy supply-demand dynamics and market fluctuations, ensuring robust supplies of electricity, gas, and oil to meet the energy requirements of the public. Meanwhile, the transition toward replacing traditional energy sources with electricity at the end-use level continues to advance steadily, with household appliances and electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular. As Director Zhongming just mentioned, charging infrastructure has already expanded to cover 98% of highway service areas, significantly enhancing the convenience of energy access for people across the country.

 

Third, in response to the public's growing demand for energy services, we have consistently addressed the urgent, difficult, and pressing concerns of people across the country. Over the past five years, we have diligently handled complaints received through the 12398 Energy Regulatory Hotline, resolving a wide range of issues that directly affect people's daily lives and well-being. We’ve also continuously improved the business environment for electricity usage, significantly reducing the costs associated with obtaining power connections. According to our calculations, these efforts have collectively saved users over 300 billion yuan in investment over the past five years. Additionally, we’ve strengthened distribution network infrastructure and launched comprehensive initiatives to tackle the persistent problem of frequent power outages, successfully rectifying more than 40,000 problematic lines and transformer districts nationwide. As a result, the overall reliability of electricity supply across urban and rural areas has steadily improved.

 

Next, we will follow the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, focusing on what the people truly need and expect, to continuously enhance the accessibility of energy and the quality of energy services for daily life, ensuring that the benefits of energy development are shared more widely and equitably by everyone. Thank you!

 

Reporter from China Electric Power News, China Energy Media Group ：

 

Could you please share your thoughts on how China's energy investments are driving economic growth and boosting the private sector? Are there any specific data points you’d like to highlight? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you, journalist friend—please let Deputy Director Jin Song answer.

 

 

Vice Director of the National Energy Administration, Wan Jingsong ：

 

Your question is excellent and also a hot topic of societal concern. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s energy investment has been growing robustly, steadily expanding the "energy pie" while fostering a more diverse range of market players—providing strong support for China’s high-quality economic development. In summary, energy investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period has exhibited three key characteristics: "rapid growth, optimized structure, and strong vitality."

 

First of all, the growth rate is rapid, significantly boosting fixed-asset investment. The energy industry boasts a large scale, extensive industrial chains, and strong ripple effects. China has already established the world’s most comprehensive and largest-scale energy system. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, energy sector investment in China has shown steady, step-like growth, with annual investment figures successively surpassing the 4 trillion, 5 trillion, and 6 trillion yuan milestones. Cumulatively, energy investment now accounts for nearly 10% of total fixed-asset investment across society. Meanwhile, the pace of energy investment continues to accelerate—since the 14th Five-Year Plan began, the energy industry has seen an average annual growth rate exceeding 16%, particularly in sectors like power generation and heat supply, where investment growth has outpaced 20%. This robust growth rate ranks among the highest in the nation’s overall fixed-asset investment, making the energy sector a powerful engine driving economic stability and expansion.

 

Secondly, the sector boasts a robust structure and provides strong support for the development of new-quality productivity. Currently, renewable energy investments have become the clear driving force behind power-sector investments: in 2024, the investment completed for key renewable energy projects accounted for over 80% of total power-sector investments, continuously delivering clean, green electricity that is propelling the green and low-carbon transformation of both production and daily life. Meanwhile, investments in emerging energy sectors continue to show steady growth—by 2024, major projects in areas such as advanced energy storage, charging and swapping infrastructure, hydrogen energy, and integrated source-grid-load-storage systems collectively reached nearly 200 billion yuan in investment, gradually emerging as a new engine for future energy investment growth.

 

Third, the private sector is highly dynamic and plays a significant role in driving the growth and strengthening of China’s private economy. In recent years, we have continuously lowered investment barriers and enhanced service levels, guiding private enterprises to expand, improve, and strengthen their presence in the energy sector. As a result, private companies have maintained an average annual double-digit growth rate in their investments in key energy projects. Chinese private enterprises have also deeply engaged in national science and technology initiatives within the energy sector—half of the projects in the first four batches of major technological equipment development for the energy industry involved private-sector participation. The private economy has undeniably become a vital force in nurturing and expanding China’s burgeoning new-energy industries. In the power infrastructure construction sector, private enterprises now account for more than 85% of the market, with annual growth consistently exceeding 15%. Meanwhile, private firms make up over 80% of large-scale charging-service providers. Notably, in the first half of this year alone, 10 private companies took stakes in five nuclear-power projects, each holding at least 10% of the equity—and in one case, their stake even reached as high as 20%. Thank you.

 

CRI Network Reporter ：

 

Under the initiative to jointly build the Belt and Road, a growing number of "small but beautiful" and "practical and beneficial" energy cooperation projects have taken root around the globe. Could you please share what achievements China has made in green energy cooperation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, and how the country plans to further actively engage in global energy governance moving forward? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you for your question; I’ll answer it now. Energy cooperation is a key area in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period, energy cooperation has fully entered a new stage of win-win green and low-carbon transformation. Let me introduce this from three perspectives below.

 

First, we are fostering a shared vision for the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy industry. Over the past few years, we have steadily enhanced the "Belt and Road" initiative's reputation as a golden platform for energy cooperation. Working closely with countries that share our energy partnership under the Belt and Road framework, we’ve jointly set more ambitious goals for green energy development, strengthened exchanges and collaboration on energy planning and policy-making, and bolstered our capacity to ensure secure, sustainable green energy supplies. This has effectively empowered developing nations to enhance their voice and influence in global energy governance. Focusing on themes such as green transformation and innovative collaboration, we’ve signed cooperation agreements—covering areas like renewable energy—with over 10 countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, the UAE, Denmark, Finland, and Singapore, providing a clear roadmap for advancing green energy partnerships along the Belt and Road. At this year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization Energy Ministers’ Meeting, Chinese and foreign enterprises jointly sealed deals on 25 energy projects, with total contract values reaching approximately 40 billion yuan. These landmark agreements vividly demonstrate the immense potential and vast opportunities inherent in green energy cooperation.

 

Second, we will deepen technological cooperation on the green and low-carbon energy transition. Focusing on key energy sectors and addressing significant global needs, we are strengthening international scientific and technological collaboration with countries jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative in areas such as hydrogen energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and smart energy systems. We will continue to advance clean energy industry partnerships and actively promote the global outreach of China’s advanced energy technologies and standards—ranging from new-energy power generation and ultra-high-voltage transmission to smart grids. Over the past decade, China has helped reduce the average cost of electricity generated by wind and solar projects worldwide by 60% and 80%, respectively, making a substantial contribution to the global green transformation.

 

Third, we provide solutions for the green and low-carbon transformation of energy systems. China has already collaborated with over 100 countries and regions on green energy projects, offering practical Chinese approaches to help developing nations transition their energy sectors—thus setting a new benchmark for pragmatic energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. In regions such as ASEAN, Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, we have steadily advanced cooperation in areas like clean energy development, upgrades to energy infrastructure, and cross-border power interconnectivity. As a result, numerous people-benefiting green energy projects have been completed and put into operation one after another. For instance, in the Middle East, Chinese-made photovoltaic products have helped create "energy oases" amid the desert landscapes. Meanwhile, in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, a smart energy project combining solar power with direct drinking water systems—invested and built by Chinese enterprises—has delivered cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance local livelihoods but also pave the way for innovative renewable energy initiatives. Across the countries jointly building the Belt and Road, there are countless other examples of high-quality, green-energy collaborations like these.

 

Next, we will take the new energy security strategy as our guide, deeply engage in the global energy governance transformation, and focus on proposing China’s initiatives on issues such as energy security, energy transition, energy access, and addressing global climate change. We will also advance high-quality green energy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering the establishment of a fair, just, balanced, and inclusive global energy governance system. Thank you.

 

Poster News Reporter ：

 

Technological innovation is the core driving force behind transforming China's energy industry and fostering new, high-quality productivity in the energy sector. In recent years, new models and business formats—such as energy storage, hydrogen energy, and "AI +"—have emerged one after another. We’d like to know: During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, what achievements has China made in building an innovative energy technology system? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you, journalist friends—this question will be answered by Deputy Director Jin Song.

 

Wan Jinsong ：

 

This is an excellent question—everyone knows that over the past few years, China has achieved one breakthrough after another in scientific and technological innovation, making these developments a hot topic of societal attention. Watching these achievements is both exhilarating and deeply inspiring. It’s fair to say that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s energy sector has accelerated its pace of technological innovation, not only achieving "new breakthroughs" but also driving high-quality development. By fully leveraging the advantages of our new national system, we’ve further refined the energy technology innovation framework, continuously strengthening our capacity for independent innovation, fostering the sustained growth of emerging industries, and vigorously advancing efforts to address critical weaknesses while building on our existing strengths in core technologies and equipment. As a result, China has already taken the lead internationally in key areas such as nuclear power, new energy sources, and smart grids, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding energy security, accelerating the energy transition, and solidifying our position as a global leader in the energy sector. Looking ahead, we can examine the achievements of China’s energy technology innovation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period from three distinct perspectives.

 

First, our ability to independently innovate in the energy sector continues to strengthen. Driven by major science and technology projects and supported by significant energy infrastructure initiatives, we are accelerating efforts to master critical core technologies through independent research and development. As a result, we’ve achieved new breakthroughs in areas such as next-generation renewable energy generation, million-kilowatt-class hydropower, advanced nuclear power, heavy-duty gas turbines, smart grids, deep-earth and deep-water oil-and-gas exploration and development, and intelligent, integrated mining of ultra-thick coal seams. Earlier, Director Hongzhi highlighted several landmark projects—such as the Baihetan Hydropower Station, the Shidaowan High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Nuclear Power Plant, and the "Deep Sea No. 1" offshore gas field—all of which have been successfully completed and put into operation. These projects have not only bolstered energy security but also provided a powerful innovation-driven impetus for supporting the energy transition.

 

Second, the modernization level of the energy industry chain is accelerating. We have actively explored innovative approaches such as "posting challenges and appointing leaders" and "competitive racing," speeding up the establishment of "industry-academia-research-application" innovation platforms. At the same time, we are vigorously promoting the application of China's first-of-its-kind major technological equipment in the energy sector, while continuously refining supporting mechanisms like fault-tolerance and accountability exemption policies—ensuring that lab-based "prototype devices" are truly transformed into market-ready "products." To date, we have certified four batches totaling 236 first-of-its-kind projects, some of which not only represent China's first but also the world's first in their respective fields. With the spirit of "sharpening our blade over ten years," we have successfully built a comprehensive R&D, design, and integrated manufacturing system spanning the entire wind and photovoltaic industry chain. As a result, high-quality Chinese-made new-energy products are now benefiting global markets, making significant contributions to the global energy transition.

 

Third, new energy industries, models, and business formats are thriving. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we have strategically planned the development of emerging industries such as advanced energy storage and hydrogen energy, fostering a continuously optimized innovation ecosystem and growth environment. As of the first half of this year, China’s installed capacity of advanced energy storage systems has reached approximately 95 million kilowatts—nearly 30 times higher than five years ago. This impressive growth is akin to equipping our new-generation power system with a "giant portable battery." In 2024, China’s hydrogen production and consumption surpassed 36 million tons, ranking first in the world. Notably, renewable energy-based hydrogen production already accounts for more than half of global capacity. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is deeply transforming the energy sector, serving as the "new engine" driving the energy technology revolution. AI is increasingly expanding its applications—from renewable energy generation and grid inspection tasks to the discovery of new oil and gas resources—demonstrating tremendous potential. Thanks to AI’s transformative power, the energy industry is steadily revitalizing and unlocking fresh opportunities for growth. Thank you.

 

Elephant News Reporter ：

 

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's new energy development has been remarkably rapid. What do you think are the key characteristics of new energy growth over these five years? And what factors have driven the rapid expansion of new energy? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Please have Director Chuang answer this question.

 

Li Chuangjun ：

 

Thank you, journalist friends, for your attention to the development of new energy. As you rightly pointed out, since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s new-energy sector has grown rapidly, achieving high-quality, leapfrog development. Overall, this can be summarized in four key aspects: faster, higher, better, and larger.

 

"Faster" means faster growth in development speed. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s annual新增 installed capacity for wind and solar power has entered the "hundred-million-kilowatt" range, steadily surpassing 11 consecutive 100-million-kilowatt milestones. As a result, the total installed capacity has surged from 530 million kilowatts in 2020 to 1.68 billion kilowatts as of the end of July this year—representing an average annual growth rate of 28%, which accounts for 80% of the nation’s新增 power capacity added during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

 

"Higher" refers to a greater share of electricity generation. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s wind and solar power generation has risen from 9.7% of total societal electricity consumption in 2020 to 18.6% in 2024—representing an average annual increase of more than 2 percentage points. In the first half of this year, wind and solar power generated 1.15 trillion kilowatt-hours, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the nation’s total electricity demand—more than the electricity consumed by the country’s tertiary sector and urban/rural residential use during the same period. Notably, the incremental wind and solar power output exceeded the overall growth in societal electricity demand, highlighting the growing contribution of new energy sources to the nation’s power supply.

 

"Better" refers to an optimized spatial layout. "Shagonghuang" has emerged as a new frontier for new-energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan, with over 130 million kilowatts of new installed capacity, transforming what was once barren land into a vibrant "energy oasis." Offshore wind power has become a fresh driving force, adding more than 35 million kilowatts of new capacity and injecting green momentum into the economic growth of coastal provinces. Meanwhile, distributed photovoltaics are rising as a powerful new player, with over 400 million kilowatts of new installations—among which household PV systems alone accounted for 160 million kilowatts. Across the country, more than 7 million families have now become "property owners" of their own rooftop solar systems.

 

“Larger” means making a greater global contribution. China has maintained the world’s No. 1 position in wind power installed capacity for 15 consecutive years, and in photovoltaic capacity for 10 consecutive years. In 2024, China’s combined wind and solar capacity accounted for 47% of the global total, while its new wind and solar installations alone represented 63% of the worldwide increase—further solidifying its leading edge, a feat that has earned widespread international acclaim.

 

New energy has been able to achieve rapid development primarily due to the following key factors. First, the strategic planning and deployment by the Party Central Committee have provided a fundamental guarantee for the swift growth of new energy. The Party Central Committee has clearly set the "dual carbon" goals, fostering an unprecedented consensus across society to vigorously promote new energy development. Second, the continuous improvement of the institutional framework has further unleashed the vitality of new-energy innovation. We’ve optimized the system for allocating renewable energy consumption responsibilities, strengthened and refined the green certificate system, and deepened market-oriented reforms in new-energy grid-connected electricity pricing—leading to ongoing enhancements in both the development mechanisms and supportive policies. Finally, sustained and rapid technological advancements have injected powerful momentum into the "accelerated growth" of new energy. Driven by these innovations, China’s average investment and construction costs for onshore wind power and onshore photovoltaic projects have steadily declined, with onshore wind now costing around 4,000 yuan per kilowatt and onshore solar hovering near 3,000 yuan per kilowatt. As a result, the levelized cost of electricity from new energy sources has continued to drop even further—building on the affordability achieved at the outset of the 14th Five-Year Plan—and enhancing the competitiveness of the new-energy market significantly. Thank you.

 

Cover News Reporter ：

 

China aims to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030. Could you please tell us what measures the National Energy Administration has taken to achieve the "dual carbon" goals? And what are the considerations for the 15th Five-Year Plan period? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi:

 

Let me answer this question. Achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality are major strategic decisions made by the Party Central Committee, as well as a solemn commitment China has pledged to the international community. To realize the "dual carbon" goals, energy is the primary battlefield. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we have steadily advanced the green and low-carbon transformation of our energy sector, which can be briefly summarized as "two optimizations and one upgrade."

 

First is the optimization of the energy supply structure. We have significantly increased the supply of non-fossil fuel-based electricity, driving non-fossil energy to become the primary source of newly added power capacity. Over the past four years, 84% of China’s newly installed power generation capacity came from non-fossil fuel sources. As of July this year, non-fossil energy-powered generating capacity has reached 2.23 billion kilowatts, accounting for 60.8% of the country’s total installed power capacity. Additionally, nearly 60% of China’s new electricity generation over the same period has been derived from non-fossil fuels, with non-fossil energy accounting for 1.5 times the output level of 2020 by 2024. By optimizing the supply structure, we are also accelerating the adjustment of consumption patterns. Under the "14th Five-Year Plan," our target is for non-fossil energy to account for 20% of total energy consumption; last year, we already achieved 19.8%, and this year, we expect to surpass that ambitious goal.

 

Now, let’s look at the optimization of end-use energy consumption. We are deeply advancing the clean and low-carbon transformation of energy use in key sectors such as industry, buildings, and transportation, while continuously enhancing the level of terminal electrification. Currently, electricity already accounts for about 30% of China’s total end-use energy consumption—significantly higher than the global average. Today, purchasing green electricity, driving new-energy vehicles, and using clean heating solutions have become widely accepted practices, making green, clean, and low-carbon energy consumption increasingly popular among the public. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s new-energy vehicle market has experienced rapid growth, with steadily rising penetration rates, further accelerating the peak in refined oil consumption.

 

Finally, let’s look at the transformation and upgrading of traditional energy sources. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we have continuously promoted the clean and efficient use of coal, accelerating the ultra-low emission upgrades of coal-fired power plants. Currently, 95% of coal-fired generating units have already achieved ultra-low emissions. We’re also stepping up efforts to advance the intelligentization of coal mines; as of the first half of this year, the proportion of nationally built smart-mining capacity has exceeded 55%. Meanwhile, we’re actively promoting green coal mining practices, with the comprehensive utilization rate of coal gangue in 2024 increasing by 3.1 percentage points compared to 2020. At the same time, we’re vigorously driving the deep integration of oil and gas exploration and development with new energy technologies, actively advancing the development of low-carbon technologies such as carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery. In 2024, we successfully injected 3 million tons of CO₂, effectively paving the way for the practical application of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.

 

Next, we will anchor ourselves to the goals of peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, accelerate the development of a new energy system, and push forward the energy transition with greater intensity and more concrete measures. We will vigorously promote the substitution of renewable energy sources, ensuring that most of the incremental energy consumption is met by non-fossil fuels. By 2030, we aim to raise the share of non-fossil fuel consumption to around 25%, thereby better leveraging the green and low-carbon transformation of our energy sector to support the successful achievement of our "dual carbon" targets. Thank you.

 

Ji Mu News Reporter ：

 

As new energy sources continue to expand on a large scale, issues such as integration and consumption are becoming increasingly prominent. How can we address this growing contradiction? And what are your thoughts on the development of new energy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

This issue is also one that society and the industry are paying close attention to—please have Director Zhongming provide an answer.

 

Du Zhongming ：

 

Thank you for your question. As Director Chuangjun just mentioned, in recent years, China’s new energy sector has experienced rapid growth, with installed capacity consistently ranking first in the world for many consecutive years. With the swift expansion of new energy sources, as you’ve rightly noted, some regions are indeed facing challenges in absorbing and utilizing this growing renewable energy. We see this as an "inevitable growing pain" for new energy—much like a child going through a period of rapid physical development: while faster growth is certainly a positive sign, it can sometimes lead to the awkward situation of clothes no longer fitting properly. Ensuring effective integration of new energy into our power system is, therefore, a complex and multifaceted task. Given the intermittent, random, and fluctuating nature of wind and solar power generation, we will accelerate the development of a new-type power system, comprehensively enhancing the power system’s ability to adapt to and accommodate renewable energy. Specifically, we’ll focus on five key areas of work:

 

First, stability in wind and solar power is essential. Given the inherently unstable nature of new energy generation, we must accelerate the development of system-friendly renewable energy plants. By improving the accuracy of wind and solar power forecasting, we can ensure that both power plants and the grid maintain a clear understanding of supply and demand. Additionally, adopting an integrated multi-energy complementary development model—combining wind, solar, hydro, and thermal power—and implementing coordinated control operations will enhance the autonomous regulation and proactive support capabilities of wind and photovoltaic power generation.

 

Second, the system must be robust. Building on diversified approaches to new energy development—such as categorized guidance and rational planning that balances centralized and distributed systems—we will collaboratively strengthen the construction of the main grid, distribution networks, and microgrids. This will enhance the grid's overall capacity to accommodate large-scale renewable energy integration. We will also actively advance the development of inter-provincial transmission channels and flexible inter-provincial mutual assistance projects, reinforcing the backbone grid structure while accelerating the modernization and upgrading of distribution networks. Additionally, we’ll promote smart microgrid initiatives tailored to local conditions. Meanwhile, through next-generation coal power upgrades, pumped-storage hydro, and innovative energy storage solutions, we’ll significantly boost the power system’s ability to regulate and balance supply and demand.

 

Third, the market must be large. We need to accelerate the establishment of a nationwide, unified electricity market system, refine power market mechanisms that align with the unique characteristics of new energy generation, and support the participation of high proportions of new energy in market activities, thereby expanding the scale of market-based trading for renewable energy. Additionally, we should optimize inter-provincial power trading, strengthen regional capabilities for mutual assistance and resource sharing, and promote the more efficient allocation of new energy across broader geographic areas.

 

Fourth, electricity usage must be flexible. Fully leverage the flexible adjustment capabilities on the demand side, steadily expand the aggregation scale of virtual power plants, and broaden the large-scale application of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interactions, thereby better facilitating the local consumption of new energy resources.

 

Fifth, policies must deliver strong support. We will deepen the reform of the electricity system and mechanisms, promoting the transmission and consumption of new energy while simultaneously fostering new business models—such as direct green-power connections—that enable local consumption of renewable energy, thereby expanding the scenarios for new-energy integration and enhancing the efficiency of renewable-resource utilization.

 

Additionally, while continuously enhancing our ability to integrate new energy sources into the power grid, we will also actively explore non-electric applications for new energy, promoting the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen produced via wind and solar power. Furthermore, we will extend these efforts into areas such as green hydrogen-based metallurgy, green synthesis of ammonia, green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel, thereby opening up new avenues for energy consumption. Thank you.

 

Daily Economic News Reporter ：

 

The 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party emphasized the need to accelerate the planning and construction of a new energy system. What innovative initiatives and groundbreaking achievements has the National Energy Administration made in speeding up the establishment of institutional mechanisms that align with this new energy framework? Thank you.

 

Wang Hongzhi ：

 

Thank you for your question—please let Deputy Director Jin Song answer this one.

 

Wan Jinsong ：

 

Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, China has steadily advanced market-oriented reforms in the energy sector, continuously boosting the momentum and vitality of the energy market, thereby injecting a steady stream of "fresh energy" into the drive for high-quality energy development. As a result, energy system reform has entered a fast track, achieving "three major accelerations."

 

First, the mechanism for energy price formation is being accelerated toward perfection. On the generation side, both coal-fired power and new energy sources have fully entered the market. On the consumer side, with the exception of residential and agricultural electricity usage, pricing has also become entirely market-driven, making electricity a truly freely tradable commodity—whereby most electricity prices are now determined by market competition.

 

Second, the construction of the energy market system is accelerating. We have essentially established a nationwide unified electricity market system that features multiple tiers, diverse product categories, and multifunctional capabilities. Medium- and long-term as well as ancillary services markets now achieve full coverage, while the spot market is rapidly expanding across the country. Currently, spot markets have been successfully launched and are operational in seven regions: Shanxi, Guangdong, Shandong, Gansu, Western Mongolia, Hubei, and Zhejiang—and inter-provincial spot markets have also been established and are functioning smoothly. Meanwhile, the Southern Power Market has achieved continuous operation, creating what is now the world’s largest “electricity supermarket.” Additionally, preliminary mechanisms for cross-grid trading zones have been put in place, enabling electricity resources to flow more freely and efficiently across the nation.

 

Third, the energy industry is accelerating ecological innovation. We have strengthened top-level design and stepped up policy support, introducing a series of measures to speed up the development of new types of market players, virtual power plants, direct green-power connections, and policies aimed at boosting private-sector growth in the energy sector. Meanwhile, local regions have intensified their efforts in innovative exploration, expanding application scenarios and fully leveraging their capabilities for resource integration and flexible response, thereby enhancing the resilience and safety of our modernized power systems. As a result, new players, models, and business formats are thriving across the energy landscape. Virtual power plants, in particular, are emerging rapidly—like mushrooms after rain—and are now collectively harnessing idle, adjustable resources, with a total capacity already surpassing 35 million kilowatts. This figure is equivalent to more than one-and-a-half times the installed capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. Meanwhile, diverse and cutting-edge approaches to next-generation energy storage technologies have taken root, placing China’s technical advancements firmly on the global stage. The total installed capacity of these advanced storage solutions has reached approximately 95 million kilowatts—nearly 30 times higher than at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period—and now accounts for over 40% of the world’s total installed capacity. You may have also noticed that earlier this year, we rolled out policies facilitating direct green-power connections. These initiatives have acted like a spring breeze, invigorating new integrated models such as smart microgrids and source-grid-load-storage systems—models that seamlessly blend production, consumption, and storage. Such innovations are not only demonstrating remarkable vitality but are also better equipped to meet the growing demand for diversified, eco-friendly energy solutions. Thank you.

 

Zhou Jianshe ：

 

Due to time constraints, today's press conference concludes here. Thank you to all the speakers, and thank you,各位 journalists—goodbye, everyone!

 

Wang Hongzhi:

 

Thank you everyone, and I also hope that our media friends will continue to show concern and support for energy-related work.