Chinese Premier calls for increased oil and gas exploitation to cope with coal shortage

Speaking at the 5th meeting of the National Energy Commission, China's top energy regulator, held on October 9 after more than 10 years of establishment, Premier Li Keqiang, who is also the Chairman of the National Energy Commission, emphasized that energy security is related to development security and national security.

He believes that China is still a developing country, so development is the foundation and key to solving all problems. At the current stage, the industrialization and urbanization process is taking place strongly, so the demand for energy will continue to increase.

According to Li Keqiang, supply shortage is the biggest energy insecurity issue, requiring China to optimize coal production arrangements, rationally build advanced coal-fired thermal power plants based on development needs, and continue to gradually eliminate outdated coal-fired power plants.

China National Energy Commission Conference. Photo: Xinhua

He also requested to strengthen domestic oil and gas exploration and exploitation, actively develop shale gas and coalbed methane, and diversify international oil and gas cooperation. Strengthen the construction of oil and gas storage capacity, promote large-scale application of advanced energy storage technology, and continuously enrich tools to ensure safe energy supply.

Mr. Li Keqiang affirmed that the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets are a requirement for transforming and upgrading the Chinese economy, and also a requirement for jointly responding to climate change. However, to achieve the targets in a scientific and orderly manner, it is necessary to study and develop a timetable and roadmap based on in-depth calculations, combined with the recent supply-demand conflict between electricity and coal, to avoid arbitrary power cuts and production stoppages or following trends, in order to ensure electricity for heating people in the North in winter, ensure the stability of the industrial chain and supply chain as well as the stable and sustainable development of the economy.

According to the Chinese Premier, the country needs to strongly promote the use of clean coal, increase the proportion of clean energy, accelerate the transition to energy saving and emission reduction in key areas, mobilize people to save energy and enhance green development capacity.

He also requested to step up research on key core technologies and equipment in the energy field, strengthen research and development of advanced green and low-carbon technologies. Improve the intelligence level of the power grid and reform the tiered electricity price.

The Chinese premier's statements came after the most severe rolling blackouts in recent years swept through more than 20 provinces and cities in the country since mid- to late September. The situation was caused by insufficient coal supplies and high coal prices, with some regions in China running out of energy consumption targets as the country focuses on implementing commitments to cut emissions./.