China's first Energy Law takes effect today. The law gives energy planning a legal structure for the first time, emphasizing its guiding role in national energy development. Yu Li has more details.

The Energy Law aims to support the development and utilization of renewable energy and increase the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption.

It encourages individuals and businesses to adopt a green and low-carbon production attitude and lifestyle.

The Law formally integrates hydrogen, previously classified as hazardous chemicals, into the energy management system.

WAN JINSONG Deputy Head National Energy Administration "For the first time, hydrogen is recognized as energy under national law, clarifying its energy attribute and opening up chances to promote the development of the hydrogen energy business. The law also defines the legal significance of Green Electricity Certificates and supports increased green electricity use throughout society."

Green Electricity Certificates or GECs, were piloted in 2017 to build a renewable electricity market-based mechanism. GECs are the sole way to validate renewable energy production and consumption.

According to official figures, China had issued 3.55 billion GECs by October, 2024. Wan says the Energy Law will promote the transformation of energy security.

WAN JINSONG Deputy Head National Energy Administration "The Energy Law sets the order of importance for developing and using fossil fuels and green energy. It also makes it clearer which energy type is more important for development and use, and it makes it easier to switch to non-fossil energy in a safe, reliable, and orderly way."

Experts say as the core and regulating law in the energy industry, the Energy Law has constructed the institutional system for green and low-carbon energy development.

WANG PENG Professor North China Electric Power University "Now that the Energy Law is in effect, China has an almost full system for regulating energy. It already has the 'Electricity Law,' the 'Coal Law,' the 'Renewable Energy Law,' and the 'Energy Conservation Law,' among other laws, rules, and administrative regulations."

YU LI Beijing "According to the experts, the Energy Law is more comprehensive than those separate laws, spelling out how different types of energy should be used and giving basic rules for making sure that the growth of all types of energy is coordinated. Yu Li, CGTN, Beijing."

Clean Energy: China's first Energy Law takes effect