China’s 15th plan renewables, pledges nuclear capacity
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- China placed renewable energy “centre stage” in its final 15th five‑year plan released on 13 March, according to Jiemian.
- China added a reference to its new ecological and environmental code and a call to “actively promote” geothermal energy in the plan, as noted by Carbon Brief.
- China passed a law requiring future five‑year plans to factor in “environmental constraints”, reported by Caixin.
- China Daily editorial called the plan’s climate targets a “boon to the entire world” and pivotal for global emissions goals.
- Global Times editorial described the plan as evidence of China’s “stable” geopolitical stance and trustworthy participation in global climate governance.
- Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration, said the 2026‑2030 period is decisive for hitting the carbon‑peak target and building a new energy system, urging market‑based pricing reforms to replace fossil fuels safely.
- China signed an international pledge to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, with Vice‑Premier Zhang Guoqing highlighting climate and energy‑security benefits, and China Atomic Energy Authority director Shan Zhongde expressing openness to nuclear cooperation on technology, safety, and industry.
Why it matters: The plan’s renewable‑energy focus and nuclear‑capacity pledge give Chinese clean‑tech firms and foreign partners a clear policy backdrop for investment, while the new environmental‑constraint rule pressures carbon‑intensive industries to accelerate decarbonisation, reshaping domestic energy markets and reinforcing China’s role in meeting global climate goals.
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