Guiding China’s High-Quality Energy Development through “Four Revolutions, One Cooperation”
Introduction
Energy security is a critical, strategic issue that impacts the overall economic and social development of a nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to approach this issue from a strategic standpoint, adapting to the times and leveraging opportunities to align with the trends in energy. Under the guidance of the new energy security strategy of “Four Revolutions, One Cooperation,” proposed by Xi Jinping, China has made significant progress in constructing a new energy system, achieving breakthroughs and creating new landscapes in energy development. The experiences gained over the years provide valuable insights for further advancing high-quality energy development.
Background
General Secretary Xi Jinping places great importance on energy matters. On June 13, 2014, during a meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Leadership Group, he creatively put forward the new energy security strategy of “Four Revolutions, One Cooperation,” which includes promoting the revolution in energy consumption, supply, technology, and system reforms while strengthening international cooperation. Over the years, based on evolving circumstances, Xi has made a series of significant statements, continuously enriching the connotation and practice of this energy security strategy, leading to new breakthroughs in energy development and paving a uniquely Chinese path for high-quality energy development.
Main Approaches and Achievements
(1) Adhering to Green and Low-Carbon Development
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out the importance of “promoting a revolution in energy consumption and curbing unreasonable energy use.” Over the years, energy development has steadfastly embraced the concept of green development, advancing energy efficiency, optimizing the energy consumption structure, and facilitating the transformation and upgrading of consumption. The prioritization of energy conservation has been effectively implemented. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, China has supported an average annual economic growth rate of 6% with an average annual energy consumption growth rate of only 3.3%, becoming one of the countries with the fastest reduction in energy intensity globally. Energy-saving and carbon-reduction transformations in key sectors and industries have consistently progressed, with energy efficiency levels in coal, electricity, petrochemicals, and steel industries reaching world-leading standards. The past decade has seen a 12.6 percentage point decline in coal’s share of energy consumption, while non-fossil energy consumption has more than doubled, maintaining the world’s largest total scale. The electrification rate has steadily improved, and a green energy consumption model has begun to take shape.
(2) Strengthening Domestic Resource Endowment
Xi Jinping has firmly stated, “We must hold our own energy bowl in our hands.” Since the 18th National Congress, China has actively promoted a revolution in energy supply, developing a diverse energy supply system driven by coal, oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro. The domestic energy production capacity has been reinforced, with crude oil production consistently around 200 million tons, and natural gas production increasing by over 10 billion cubic meters annually for eight consecutive years. The installed capacity for renewable energy has increased tenfold compared to ten years ago, surpassing that of thermal power. Additionally, the energy infrastructure system has been enhanced, including the West-East Electricity Transmission project, which supports one-fifth of the electricity demand in eastern and central regions. The total length of long-distance oil and gas pipelines across the country exceeds 190,000 kilometers, ensuring a stable energy supply for more than 1.4 billion people.
(3) Leading through Technological Innovation
In the context of a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, Xi Jinping emphasized promoting an energy technology revolution to drive industrial upgrading. Over the years, China has accelerated energy technological self-reliance, pushing the energy industry towards high-end, intelligent, and green development. The energy technology innovation system has been improved, focusing on addressing significant challenges and advancing cutting-edge technologies. The successful development of third-generation nuclear power technologies with independent intellectual property rights and the world’s first deep-water semi-submersible production platform highlight China’s strides in energy technology.
(4) Promoting Market-Oriented Reforms
Xi Jinping has made important statements about driving energy system reforms to streamline energy development. Over the years, China has combined effective market mechanisms with proactive government intervention, deepening reforms in critical areas of the energy sector. The construction of a competitive energy market system has accelerated, with over 60% of the national electricity consumption now allocated through market transactions. The reform of energy prices has also advanced, allowing market mechanisms to play a vital role in determining energy prices.
(5) Strengthening International Cooperation
Xi Jinping has envisioned and promoted international energy cooperation with a global perspective, emphasizing the need for comprehensive international collaboration to enhance energy security under open conditions. China has continuously expanded high-level openness in the energy sector, engaging in practical international cooperation and significantly contributing to global energy governance. Key projects, including the China-Central Asia gas pipeline and China-Russia East Route natural gas pipeline, have been established, ensuring a stable energy import system.
Experience and Insights
Since the beginning of the new era, China’s energy sector has achieved remarkable development, carving out a distinct path for energy development. This success is fundamentally tied to the leadership of Xi Jinping and the scientific guidance embedded in the “Four Revolutions, One Cooperation” energy security strategy. Practical experience demonstrates that this strategy embodies powerful truths and serves as a valuable theoretical guide and action plan for energy development.
(1) Upholding Comprehensive Party Leadership
The development of energy in the new era must remain firmly under the leadership of the Party. As we embark on a new journey filled with unprecedented opportunities and challenges, it is essential to maintain unwavering support for the Party’s comprehensive leadership in energy matters.
(2) Focusing on People-Centered Development
In the new era, the demands of the people regarding energy have shifted from mere availability to quality. It is crucial to adopt a people-centered approach, addressing the most pressing energy-related concerns of the populace.
(3) Ensuring Energy Self-Reliance
Energy security is vital to national interests and must be prioritized. As a major manufacturing nation, it is imperative to maintain control over our energy resources. With ongoing shifts in the global energy landscape, ensuring stable domestic energy supply is essential for addressing uncertainties.
(4) Adopting a Green and Low-Carbon Strategy
The transition to low-carbon energy is crucial for humanity’s future. China must control fossil fuel consumption while simultaneously advancing renewable energy technologies to ensure a reliable transition away from fossil fuels.
(5) Emphasizing Innovation
In today’s rapidly evolving energy sector, innovation is the key driver of development. It is essential to focus on energy technology innovation to gain a competitive edge in the global arena.
(6) Promoting a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind
China consistently pursues diplomacy that maintains world peace and promotes common development. By advancing global initiatives, the country is actively shaping international energy governance and addressing climate change challenges.
