Southeastern China's Guangdong province aims to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by about 2.5% and 3.9% per GDP this year, according to an action plan  issued by the provincial government on December 23.

The province also targets a reduction in energy consumption by around 3.5% per unit of industrial added value, with non-fossil fuel consumption accounting for about 30% of its total energy use in 2024.

Meanwhile, energy-saving and carbon-reduction transformation in key areas and industries are expected to result in energy savings of about 3.5 million tonnes of standard coal and reducing some 9.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

By 2025, the share of non-fossil fuel consumption should rise to around 32% of the total, in line with the carbon-intensity target set in the 14th "Five-Year-Plan".

The province will strictly control overall coal consumption. Key measures would include transforming existing coal power plants for lower carbon emissions and prioritizing coal use for electricity generation over other sectors like industry.

The government also plans to accelerate the phasing out of inefficient and heavily polluting coal-fired boilers and promote the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives in industrial kilns.

Furthermore, biomass boilers located within 15km radius of combined heat and power plants at 300 MW and above, as well as those coal-fired boilers failing to meet stringent emission standards, will be targeted for closure.

The Pearl River Delta region, a major economic hub, will see specific measures implemented to control coal consumption by 2025, all while ensuring a stable and reliable energy and power supply.

The government also targets to enhance renewables absorption capacity by advancing the DC transmission project from southeastern Xizang to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, expanding the scale of clean power delivery to Guangdong.

In addition, the local government will accelerate the renovation of distribution network to accommodate higher power loads from new energy sources. The construction of pumped storage projects like the Meizhou Phrase II project, will also be expedited to enhance the power system's adjustment capacities.