Chinese PM intensifies energy savings, emission reduction drive

Premier Wen Jiabao called for intensified efforts to save energy and reduce emissions over the next five years to ease climate change and promote sustainable development.

Greater efforts should be made to promote energy saving and emissions reductions in key areas over the next five years, and the country will continue to eliminate out-of-date capacity, develop public transportation, implement energy-saving projects and promote the use of energy-saving products, Wen said.

The country fulfilled most of its binding energy-saving and emission reduction goals set out in the nation's 11th Five-Year Plan period in 2006-2010, according to a statement released after a State Council meeting presided over by Wen.

China's energy consumption grew at an annual rate of 6.6 percent over the last five years, much slower than the 11.2-percent increase in the country's economic growth,the statement said.

He called for more efforts to optimize the country's industrial structure, develop service industry and strategic emerging industries, and build a safe, stable, economical and clean energy system.

Wen also urged efforts to introduce advanced technologies to raise energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and strengthen energy-saving and emissions-reduction management.

It also reviewed and approved a 2011-2015 work plan on energy-saving and emissions reduction in principle.

The full story is available at Xinhuanet.