China Passes First Energy Law, Promoting the Development of Renewables

China’s National People’s Congress has passed its first Energy Law, effective January 1, 2025, focusing on renewable energy and carbon reduction. The law promotes hydropower, wind, solar, biomass, hydrogen, and geothermal energy while encouraging cleaner fossil fuel use. 

It aims to transition towards non-fossil energy consumption, introducing a carbon control system and shifting focus to CO2 emissions and intensity.

The law supports a new power system to better integrate renewables and establishes a green electricity certification to encourage renewable energy use. After years of drafting since 2006, this law aligns with China’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2060.