The Transformation of China's Energy System

Testimony by Deborah Seligsohn of the World Resources Institute regarding China's energy transition, focusing on the outcomes of the 11th Five-Year Plan, the goals of the 12th Five-Year Plan, and the resulting business opportunities for international investors.

• Under the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), China reduced energy intensity by 19.1% and increased non-fossil fuel use by 3.1% annually, resulting in non-fossil energy accounting for 8.3% of total energy use.
• The 12th Five-Year Plan establishes 2015 targets to reduce carbon intensity by 17% and energy intensity by 16%, while increasing the non-fossil fuel share of the total energy mix to 11.4%. Additionally, it aims to increase forest stock volume by 600 million cubic meters and forest cover by 12.5 million hectares.
• Despite a decreasing percentage of total energy use, coal remains a critical energy source. To mitigate greenhouse gases, China is implementing a research and commercial scale pilot program for carbon capture and storage.
• China's clear policy framework is attracting international investors and companies, including American Electric Power, Duke Energy, GE, and First Solar, who are pursuing initiatives in new energy technologies.

APA

Seligsohn, D. (n.d.). The Transformation of China's Energy System. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/publications/testimony-subcommittee-energy-and-power

Chicago

Seligsohn, Deborah. The Transformation of China's Energy System. World Resources Institute, n.d. https://www.wri.org/publications/testimony-subcommittee-energy-and-power.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Seligsohn |first1=Deborah |title=The Transformation of China's Energy System |publisher=World Resources Institute |url=https://www.wri.org/publications/testimony-subcommittee-energy-and-power |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{seligsohnndtransformation, author = {Seligsohn, Deborah}, title = {{The Transformation of China's Energy System}}, publisher = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/publications/testimony-subcommittee-energy-and-power}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }