The Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced a new goal to cut energy intensity by 2.5% in 2024.
Energy intensity refers to the amount of energy used per unit of economic growth. Last year, China aimed to cut energy intenstiy by 2% but missed this goal, with energy intensity decreasing by 0.5%. The country also failed to meet its target to cut carbon emissions in 2023.
According to a recent study by the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, China will have to cut energy intensity by 6% and carbon intensity by 7% in both 2024 and 2025 in order to meet its targets.
Li Shuo, Director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society think-tank, told the UK Climate Home News agency that China is effectively admitting its failure to fulfill its five-year target. And the 2024 goal is even more modest than the average rate of reduction needed, while China should be playing catch up.
