China's inaugural energy legislation is implemented
China's inaugural energy law is now in effect.
TroibNews 
China's first energy law came into effect on January 1, establishing a legal framework for energy planning and highlighting its key role in the nation's energy development.
This new law is designed to foster high-quality energy growth, safeguard national energy security, accelerate the shift towards greener alternatives, and support the achievement of carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives.
Moreover, the energy law seeks to enhance the development and use of renewable energy, aiming to boost the share of non-fossil energy consumption. It encourages both individuals and businesses to embrace environmentally friendly and low-carbon production practices and lifestyles.
A significant aspect of the law is the formal inclusion of hydrogen, which was previously categorized as a hazardous chemical, into the energy management framework.
"For the first time, hydrogen is recognized as energy under national law, clarifying its energy attribute and opening up chances to promote the development of the hydrogen energy business," stated Wan Jinsong, deputy head of the National Energy Administration. "The law also defines the legal significance of Green Electricity Certificates and supports increased green electricity use throughout society."
Green Electricity Certificates, which were piloted in 2017, are designed to create a market-based mechanism for renewable electricity. They serve as the exclusive method to validate the production and consumption of renewable energy.
As of October 2024, China had issued a total of 3.55 billion GECs. According to Wan, the energy law will facilitate a transformation in energy security.
"The energy law sets the order of importance for developing and using fossil fuels and green energy. It also makes it clearer which energy type is more important for development and use, and it makes it easier to switch to non-fossil energy in a safe, reliable, and orderly way," Wan further explained.
Additionally, the law introduces new measures such as energy production capacity reserves and mineral resource reserves. For the first time, it clearly outlines the corporate social responsibility reserve obligation to ensure energy security during severe situations.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
This new law is designed to foster high-quality energy growth, safeguard national energy security, accelerate the shift towards greener alternatives, and support the achievement of carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives.
Moreover, the energy law seeks to enhance the development and use of renewable energy, aiming to boost the share of non-fossil energy consumption. It encourages both individuals and businesses to embrace environmentally friendly and low-carbon production practices and lifestyles.
A significant aspect of the law is the formal inclusion of hydrogen, which was previously categorized as a hazardous chemical, into the energy management framework.
"For the first time, hydrogen is recognized as energy under national law, clarifying its energy attribute and opening up chances to promote the development of the hydrogen energy business," stated Wan Jinsong, deputy head of the National Energy Administration. "The law also defines the legal significance of Green Electricity Certificates and supports increased green electricity use throughout society."
Green Electricity Certificates, which were piloted in 2017, are designed to create a market-based mechanism for renewable electricity. They serve as the exclusive method to validate the production and consumption of renewable energy.
As of October 2024, China had issued a total of 3.55 billion GECs. According to Wan, the energy law will facilitate a transformation in energy security.
"The energy law sets the order of importance for developing and using fossil fuels and green energy. It also makes it clearer which energy type is more important for development and use, and it makes it easier to switch to non-fossil energy in a safe, reliable, and orderly way," Wan further explained.
Additionally, the law introduces new measures such as energy production capacity reserves and mineral resource reserves. For the first time, it clearly outlines the corporate social responsibility reserve obligation to ensure energy security during severe situations.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
