October 12, 2008

China urges top 1000 enterprises to be energy efficient

China Knowledge reported that China's National Development and Reform Commission launched its "Top 1000 Enterprises Energy Efficiency Action Plan" to require the country's 1,000 large domestic enterprises to meet global energy efficiency requirements and take the lead in the field domestically.

Mr Xie Zhenhua deputy director of NDRC said the 1000 enterprises, mainly from petrochemical, coal mining, metallurgical, electricity, iron and steel, transportation and construction materials sectors, consume about one third of China's primary energy. If this plan can be carried out effectively, 100 million tons standard coal equivalents could be saved by 2010. It is in accordance with China's goal to reduce energy consumption per unit of GDP by 20% by 2010 which was set in October 2005.

However, the energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped only 1.23% last year, less than one third of the average annual goal of 4%. Therefore, the government adopted new measure to fulfill the goal, including adjusting and canceling tax rebates on exports of high energy intensity products and promoting application of energy efficient technologies.

According to NDRC in January to June 2007 the energy consumption per unit of GDP fell 2.78%. These enterprises have saved 8 million tonnes of standard coal, which is equivalent to the first 3 months alone this year. China shows its continuous effort for an energy efficient and environment friendly society.