On December 23, the Guangdong Provincial Government released the 2024–2025 Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction Action Plan.
On December 23, the Guangdong Provincial Government released the 2024–2025 Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction Action Plan. The plan introduces key measures to intensify efforts in energy conservation and carbon reduction, aiming to meet the binding targets set for the province's 14th Five-Year Plan. A central focus of the plan is the directive to "strictly and rationally control coal consumption."
In 2024, Guangdong aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by around 2.5% and 3.9%, respectively. Energy consumption per unit of industrial added value in large-scale industries is expected to decrease by 3.5%, while non-fossil energy is set to account for approximately 30% of total energy consumption. Retrofitting efforts in key industries are projected to save the equivalent of 3.5 million tons of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 9.1 million tons.
The plan calls for cleaner and more efficient coal use and the transformation of coal-fired power plants to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes upgrades for energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and heating systems, emphasizing coordinated implementation across these areas.Specific steps include increasing the proportion of coal used for power generation while significantly reducing its use in non-power sectors. Guangdong also plans to phase out outdated coal-fired boilers, replace industrial kilns with cleaner energy sources, and curb the use of scattered coal. Where power and heat supplies are assured, the province will retire biomass boilers (including gasification furnaces), coal-fired boilers without ultra-low emission upgrades, and small coal-fired cogeneration units within 15 kilometers of cogeneration plants with capacities of 300,000 kilowatts or more.
By 2025, coal consumption in the Pearl River Delta will be controlled under the premise of ensuring stable energy and power supply. Non-fossil energy is expected to make up about 32% of total energy consumption. Retrofitting projects in key industries will aim to achieve significant energy savings and emission reductions, helping the province meet its targets for the 14th Five-Year Plan.