4 Distribution and Implementation of Energy Saving and Low Carbon Development Targets for the 12th Five-Year Plan

Abstract

With the widespread efforts across society, China reduced energy consumption per unit of GDP by 19.1 during the 11th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period, nearly hitting the 20 target. This chapter summarizes low-carbon targets and related policies and measures for the 12th FYP, focusing on regional target distribution and specific initiatives to achieve these targets. The 12th FYP period is crucial for raising the standard of living, expanding reform and liberalization policies, and accelerating the transition of economic development. In order to successfully achieve energy conservation and low-carbon development targets, especially increasing the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption, it is necessary to control the total primary energy consumption. During the 11th FYP period, some regions reduced energy intensity exclusively by growing the denominator, which does not advance low-carbon development. This explains the shift from energy intensity control to total energy consumption control for the 12th FYP period. Keywords: 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP); China; low-carbon targets