China passed its first energy law to promote carbon neutrality

China has taken a landmark step in its climate strategy by passing its first-ever energy law, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025, reports esgnews.com.

Passed during a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress – China's highest legislative body – the law consists of nine comprehensive chapters covering a range of critical energy issues.

The scope of the law covers energy planning and development, market systems, reserves and emergency response, technological innovation, oversight and legal responsibilities. According to officials, the legislation is drafted in accordance with the constitution and aims to promote high-quality energy development, strengthen national energy security and facilitate a green and low-carbon economic transition.

Promoting carbon neutrality

The new law is a pillar of China's commitment to peak carbon emissions before 2030. and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. State media Xinhua highlighted the aims of the law, emphasizing its role in ensuring sustainable development and supporting China's aspirations to become a modern socialist state.

The move reinforces China's dual role on the global stage – as the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and as a leader in clean energy innovation. The country is currently building nearly twice as much wind and solar capacity as all other nations combined, demonstrating its ability and intent to lead on climate action.

A strategic response to global warming

China's new law comes at a time when climate action is critical. The European Copernicus Climate Office recently predicted that 2024 could become the hottest year on record, with temperatures exceeding 1,5C above pre-industrial levels. Such findings highlight the urgent need for decisive policies to mitigate climate risks.

With extreme weather events already affecting China, such as record heat waves and devastating floods, the new energy law serves as a timely response to strengthen the country's resilience and transition to a sustainable future. This legislative milestone is in line with China's broader environmental goals and prepares it for upcoming international climate negotiations, including the COP29 conference that has begun in Azerbaijan.

China's first energy law is a final step forward in its climate roadmap, setting the stage for significant progress in energy policy and carbon reduction in the coming decades.