On April 20, the State Council held its 19th special study session with the theme “Coordinating energy security and green low-carbon transformation, accelerating the construction of a new energy system.” Premier Li Qiang emphasized during the study the need to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important directives on building an energy powerhouse and the relevant decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, implement the new energy security strategy, promote the optimization and adjustment of the energy structure, and deepen reforms of the energy system and mechanisms to provide solid energy support for accelerating comprehensive green transformation and high-quality development.
Li Qiang pointed out that improving energy security is an important foundation for building an energy powerhouse. The current international situation is undergoing profound changes, and China’s total energy consumption continues to grow. It is necessary to maintain a sense of urgency, adhere to bottom-line thinking, and continuously enhance the resilience and security capabilities of the energy system.
Li Qiang noted that the key to taking the initiative in energy security is to further optimize and adjust the energy structure, strengthen energy technology innovation, accelerate the construction of a new energy system, and promote green and low-carbon changes in energy production and consumption models. The potential for renewable energy supply must be fully tapped, adhering to a national coordinated approach; accelerate the construction of clean energy bases such as wind and solar power in the northwest, hydropower in the southwest, and offshore wind power in the east, vigorously develop distributed photovoltaic and distributed wind power, develop biomass, geothermal, and ocean energy according to local conditions, and promote the integrated and coordinated development of new energy. The clean and efficient utilization level of fossil energy must be continuously improved, accelerate the energy-saving and carbon-reduction transformation of existing coal power units, and promote the transformation of coal power to serve both as a basic guarantee and a system regulation power source. The construction of a new power grid must be accelerated, actively explore new architectures, new technologies, and new services, increase investment in optimizing transmission channel layouts, strengthening backbone network construction, building new distribution systems, and improving energy storage and charging facilities, use artificial intelligence to empower the digital and intelligent transformation of the power grid, consolidate the network foundation, enhance system coordination and regulation capabilities, and create a safe, reliable, green, low-carbon, resilient, and intelligent new power grid to better meet the diverse energy needs of high-quality development.
Li Qiang emphasized that coordinating energy security and transformation is a systematic project that requires deepening reforms and innovations in systems and mechanisms, fully mobilizing the enthusiasm of all parties, and unleashing the vitality of energy development. Relevant standards and certification systems should be improved, and application scenarios enriched, so that creators and users of green energy can realize the green value through the market. The construction of a unified national market in the electricity sector should be deeply promoted, forming mechanisms for access, supervision, and pricing that align with the direction of building a new energy system, allowing more business entities and electricity users to benefit from electricity trading.
State Council
The State Council is the chief administrative authority of the People’s Republic of China, functioning as the country’s cabinet. Established in 1949 alongside the founding of the PRC, it is responsible for implementing national policies, managing the economy, and overseeing daily government operations. Its history reflects China’s transition from a centrally planned system to a more market-oriented economy under the leadership of the Communist Party.
General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important directives on building an energy powerhouse
This is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather a set of policy directives issued by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. These directives outline China’s strategic vision for transforming its energy sector, emphasizing security, green development, and innovation. The initiative is part of China’s broader efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and ensure sustainable energy independence for the future.
clean energy bases such as wind and solar power in the northwest
In northwest China, large-scale clean energy bases have been developed to harness the region’s abundant wind and solar resources, transforming arid landscapes into major renewable power hubs. These projects are part of China’s national strategy to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy security, with significant installations in provinces like Gansu, Xinjiang, and Ningxia. The initiative builds on the region’s historical role as a frontier for resource extraction, now shifting toward sustainable energy production.
hydropower in the southwest
Hydropower in the southwestern United States has been a critical source of renewable energy, largely driven by major dams built during the 20th century, such as the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. These projects, initiated during the Great Depression and post-war era, provided electricity for rapid urban and agricultural growth in arid regions like California and Arizona. However, they also raised environmental and social concerns, including impacts on river ecosystems and Native American lands.
offshore wind power in the east
Offshore wind power in the eastern regions, particularly in the North Sea and along the East Coast of the United States, represents a rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Its modern history began in the early 1990s with small-scale projects in Denmark, but large-scale development has accelerated since the 2010s due to technological advances and climate goals. Today, these offshore wind farms are crucial for reducing carbon emissions, with major projects like the UK’s Hornsea and the US’s Vineyard Wind leading the way.
distributed photovoltaic
Distributed photovoltaic refers to solar power systems that generate electricity at or near the point of use, such as on rooftops or small ground-mounted arrays, rather than at a large central plant. This approach gained momentum in the early 21st century as solar panel costs dropped and net metering policies expanded, particularly in countries like Germany, China, and the United States. Historically, distributed PV has transformed energy access by enabling homes, businesses, and communities to produce their own clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the power grid.
distributed wind power
Distributed wind power refers to small-scale wind turbines installed at or near the point of energy consumption, such as homes, farms, or businesses, rather than at large centralized wind farms. This approach has historical roots in the early 20th century, when small wind turbines were commonly used to generate electricity in rural areas before the expansion of the electrical grid. Today, it is gaining renewed interest as a way to enhance energy resilience, reduce transmission losses, and support local renewable energy generation.
new power grid
The New Power Grid is not a specific historical or cultural site, but rather a modern technological infrastructure project that refers to the expansion and modernization of electrical transmission systems. Its history is rooted in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, driven by the need to integrate renewable energy sources, improve reliability, and meet growing demand. This grid represents a shift toward smarter, more resilient energy networks, often incorporating advanced digital technology to manage electricity distribution efficiently.
