Energy conservation

With the new law on energy conservation taking effect yesterday, China has put into legal practice a basic national policy underpinning its sustainable economic and social development.

Expectations are high. The new law has been enacted with a view to promoting energy conservation throughout the country. After three decades of fast but extensive economic growth, China is keenly aware of the urgency to enhance energy efficiency and protect the environment.

However, while the new law gives a vital legal boost to the national drive to cut energy intensity and pollutants, many other measures to encourage energy conservation have yet to be put into place.