On October 28, the full text of the Proposals of the CPC Central Committee on Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development was released. The document calls for the preliminary establishment of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient modern energy system. It emphasizes continuously increasing the share of new energy, promoting the secure and orderly replacement of fossil fuels, building a new-type power system, and advancing the development of an energy powerhouse.

The key energy-related directives in the 15th Five-Year Plan proposals are summarized as follows:

1. Main goals for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period
China will make new progress toward building a “Beautiful China.” Green production and lifestyles will be established, the carbon peak target will be achieved as scheduled, and a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system will take shape. Major pollutant emissions will continue to decline, and the diversity, stability, and sustainability of ecosystems will be enhanced.

2. Building a modern industrial system and strengthening the real economy
China will foster emerging and future industries such as new energy, new materials, aerospace, and the low-altitude economy, forming strategic industrial clusters. Industrial innovation projects will be implemented to accelerate R&D, technological advancement, and large-scale application of new technologies and products. Future-oriented industries such as quantum technology, bio-manufacturing, hydrogen energy, nuclear fusion, embodied intelligence, and 6G communication will be developed as new growth drivers.

3. Constructing a modern infrastructure system
The plan calls for strengthening national infrastructure planning and coordination, optimizing the energy backbone network layout, and accelerating the construction of new energy infrastructure. It also aims to modernize traditional infrastructure through digital and intelligent upgrades, enhance transportation and water network systems, and improve overall security and resilience.

4. Promoting high-level opening-up and Belt and Road cooperation
China will continue to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation through strengthened alignment with partner countries, enhanced infrastructure connectivity, and joint construction of major flagship projects and smaller livelihood-oriented initiatives.

5. Optimizing regional economic layout
The plan will optimize the spatial distribution of strategic industries and energy resource bases while promoting coordinated regional development. It will also emphasize sustainable marine resource utilization, the development of marine industries and equipment, and the protection of marine ecosystems.

6. Accelerating a comprehensive green transformation and building a Beautiful China
Green development will be the defining feature of Chinese modernization. The plan reaffirms the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” and aims to promote coordinated progress in carbon reduction, pollution control, ecological expansion, and economic growth.

The country will accelerate the construction of a new-type energy system by:

• Increasing the share of new energy and promoting secure, reliable fossil fuel substitution.

• Developing a new power system emphasizing wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear energy.

• Advancing coal power retrofitting, distributed energy, pumped storage, new energy storage, smart grids, and microgrids.

• Raising end-use electrification rates and promoting green, low-carbon energy consumption.

• Establishing sound market and pricing mechanisms compatible with the new energy system.

The plan also outlines steady progress toward carbon peaking and neutrality through:

• Dual control of total and intensity-based carbon emissions.

• Promoting energy-saving and carbon-reducing transformations.

• Peaking coal and oil consumption.

• Expanding the national carbon trading system and developing voluntary GHG reduction markets.

• Building a robust green and low-carbon standard system aligned with international norms.

7. Modernizing the national security system
Energy security remains a strategic priority, including safeguarding vital industrial chains, key resources, and infrastructure. The plan stresses enhanced exploration and development of strategic mineral resources, secure and efficient water utilization, and the protection of strategic energy corridors. It also strengthens national security capabilities in emerging domains such as nuclear, space, deep sea, and artificial intelligence.