Full Readout of National Energy Work Conference 2025 & Key Takeaways
A system for new energy sources, specific number of 2025 energy targets, etc.
On December 15, the 2025 National Energy Work Conference was held in Beijing to review the achievements of 2024 and outline key tasks for 2025.
I did a quick Google search today but sadly found little English info about the conference, so I translated the offical readout published on the website of the National Energy Administration, along with some key takeaways.
Apparently I am not an expert in the energy sector, so the takeaways below are simply what I consider important. Please also note that the following is not intended as investment advice. — Yuzhe
Key Takeaways & Backgrounds
1）Two days before this year's Energy Work Conference, the head of the National Energy Administration (NEA) was changed, and "developing a system for new energy sources" received significant attention.
According to Xinhua, Wang Hongzhi王宏志 was appointed head of the National Energy Administration, replacing Zhang Jianhua章建华. Wang no longer serves as vice chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.
Unlike Zhang Jianhua who has a background in the oil and gas sector, Wang brings extensive experience in the power systems field. A graduate of Tsinghua University’s Department of Electrical Engineering, Wang has over 30 years of experience in power systems. He has held leadership roles within the State Grid system, overseeing power companies in regions such as Henan, Tianjin, and Qinghai. In January 2018, Wang was appointed vice general manager of China Huadian Corporation Limited. Four years later, he became general manager of China Southern Power Grid.
Such transition likely reflects a shift in China's key concerns and core tasks in energy development since the grid system serves as the central link for the transmission and absorption of new energy. This shift is also echoed in the readout: "加快构建新型能源体系 work faster to develop a system for new energy sources" appears six times throughout the readout.
Moreover, the Energy Law of China set to be implemented on January 1, 2025, provides targeted institutional design and legal guarantees for the development of a new energy system. The Law states, in its general provisions, that:
坚持立足国内、多元保障、节约优先、绿色发展，加快构建清洁低碳、安全高效的新型能源体系
Focus on domestic priorities, diversify guarantees, prioritize conservation, and promote green development. Accelerate the establishment of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient new energy system.
2）2025 Energy Targets
For the year 2025, the country aims to add approximately 200 million kilowatts of new wind and photovoltaic installations, consistent with target of 200 million kilowatts in 2024. By the end of 2025, China aims to achieve around 65 million kilowatts of operational nuclear power installations; and approve the construction of a number of key power mutual assistance projects.
These specific numbers do not appear in the readout, but according to Xinhua, China's newswire, these figures were also mentioned during the conference.
Although the target of approximately 200 million kilowatts of new wind and photovoltaic installations in 2025 is the same as in 2024, it does not imply that the NEA intends to slow the development of new energy, as the NEA's targets typically establish a lower bound. For example, in 2024, the target was 200 million kilowatts, but the actual installed capacity exceeded 300 million kilowatts.
However, it is also important to note that the target of over 1.2 billion kilowatts installed capacity of wind and solar power by 2030, as President Xi stated at the 2020 Climate Ambition Summit, has been achieved six years ahead of schedule. Therefore, further increasing installation capacity is no longer an urgent task.
Full Translation of the Readout
Thoroughly Study and Implement the Guiding Principles from the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee
Open a New Page in the High-quality Development in China's Energy Sector
The 2025 National Energy Work Conference Held in Beijing
On December 15, the 2025 National Energy Work Conference was convened in Beijing. Guided by Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the conference thoroughly studied and implemented the guiding principles from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. They should acquire a deep understanding of the decisive significance of the establishment of both Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and boost their consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership. They should stay confident in the path, the theory, the system, and the culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. They should firmly uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership.
The conference diligently implemented the directives of the Central Economic Work Conference and the requirements of the National Development and Reform Work Conference, reviewed the achievements of 2024, and planned the key tasks for 2025. Zheng Shanjie, secretary of the Party Leading Group and head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Wang Hongzhi, Secretary of the Party Leading Group and head of the National Energy Administration, presented the work report.
Zheng Shanjie noted that since 2024, the national energy system has thoroughly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and directives. It has adhered to the new energy security strategy, ensuring both high-quality development and greater security, and delivered a good performance in the energy sector. This has provided a solid foundation for supporting economic recovery and growth, as well as meeting the people's aspirations for a better life. The year 2025 marks the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. It is essential to uphold Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guiding principle, fully implement the guiding principles from the 20th National Congress of the CPC, as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and thoroughly execute the decisions and deployments of the Central Economic Work Conference.
The focus will remain on adhering to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, fully and faithfully applying the new development philosophy on all fronts, moving faster to create a new pattern of development, and promoting high-quality development. Moreover, the efforts should be made to continuously advance the new energy security strategy and speed up the planning and development of a system for new energy sources, providing effective service and support for the overall economic and social development.
Wang Hongzhi said that the leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council places great importance on the energy sector, issuing numerous significant instructions and directives. These actions have provided scientific guidance for energy development in the new era and have continuously opened up new horizons for the energy sector. The coming year and the "15th Five-Year Plan" period (2026-2030) are critical times for accelerating the development of a new energy system, and ensuring both high-quality development and greater security.
Wang noted that the energy sector must align itself with the major decisions and deployments of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, thoroughly analyze the new situations and requirements for development and reform of the energy sector, focus on removing institutional obstacles that hinder high-quality development, and further invigorate the growth. He emphasized the necessity of diligently preparing to address various risks and challenges, accelerating the development of new-quality productive forces, steadfastly deepening reform in all areas, and concentrating on improving regulatory efficacy and standards.
The meeting noted that under the guidance of Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the national energy sector has adhered to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability. It has made every effort to ensure energy security, unwaveringly advanced the green and low-carbon transformation of energy, and promoted high-quality energy development to new heights. In 2024, significant achievements were made across various energy sectors.
1. Keep ensuring a stable energy supply. The capability to guarantee energy security has been significantly enhanced. By ensuring both high-quality development and greater safety, the essential role of coal and coal-fired power as a foundational guarantee has been fully utilized. Continuous efforts have been made to increase oil and gas reserves and production, ensuring overall energy supply stability.
2. Keep pursuing carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Substantial progress has been made in the green and low-carbon transformation of energy. There has been steadfast and vigorous development of clean energy, promotion of renewable energy, a boom in wind and solar PV power, orderly progression of major hydropower projects, and an increase in nuclear power capacity under operation and construction to become the world's largest. The new power system is being accelerated, and the transformation and reform continue to maintain global leadership.
3. Keep perceiving reform and innovation as the fundamental driving forces. New momentum for energy development has been gained. The establishment of institutions and mechanisms to promote high-quality development of new energy has been expedited. The development of a unified national electricity market system is advancing rapidly, the natural gas market system is being steadily developed, and new productive forces in the energy sector are being cultivated swiftly. Significant progress has been made in the rule of law and standards development of the energy sector.
4. Keep enhancing regulatory capabilities. Breakthroughs have been achieved in energy regulation work. Focusing on key and pressing issues of concern to the Party Central Committee and the people, energy regulation has been implemented with precision and effectiveness, continuously improving the standard of energy usage for public welfare.
5. Keep advancing high-standard openness. New progress has been made in international energy cooperation. Cooperation in the energy sector among Belt and Road countries has been deepened and expanded, active participation in global energy governance has been undertaken, and both national security and openness have been ensured.
6. Keep firmly implementing the political responsibility of full and rigorous self-governance. New achievements have been made in party building. The political responsibility for party management and governance has been firmly fulfilled, party conduct and clean governance building, as well as anti-corruption efforts, have been vigorously pursued. The Party's self-reform has been steadfastly advanced.
The meeting noted that in 2025, work in the energy sector must be guided by Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the guiding principles from the 20th National Congress of the CPC, as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, thoroughly execute the decisions and deployments of the Central Economic Work Conference, and adhere to the requirements of the National Development and Reform Work Conference.
It is essential to maintain the general principle of seeking progress while ensuring stability, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, move faster to create a new pattern of development, and promote high-quality development. Efforts should also be made to solidly promote high-quality development, better coordinate development and security, deeply advance the energy revolution, advance the planning and development of a new energy system, continuously deepen reforms of institutions and mechanisms in the energy sector, develop new productive forces tailored to local conditions, achieve the goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality, lay a solid foundation for a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan, and strive to write a new chapter of high-quality energy development from a new starting point.
Deeply Study and Implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Statements and Instructions to Practice a New Energy Security Strategy with Higher Standards
Accelerate the planning and development of a new energy system by adhering to technological innovation as the guide, system reform as the drive, safety and sufficiency as the premise, and economic feasibility as the foundation. Gradually develop a new energy system centered on non-fossil energy as the primary source, supported by fossil energy as a reliable backup. Emphasize the establishment of a modern power system as the backbone, with a focus on green, intelligent, and efficient energy utilization as the guiding principle. Promote greater achievements in implementing the new energy security strategy.
Deeply Implement the Guiding Principles from the third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee to Advance Energy Reform and Rule of Law
Accelerate the development of systems and mechanisms suited to the new energy landscape. Basically establish a unified national electricity market system, optimize the operation and scheduling mechanisms for oil and gas pipelines, and promote the independent operation of natural monopolies while advancing market-oriented reforms in competitive areas. Leverage the implementation of the Energy Law of the People's Republic of China to strengthen the rule of law foundation within the energy sector.
Better Play the Guiding and Leading Roles to Coordinate the Preparation and Implementation of Energy Planning
Enhance dynamic monitoring of plan implementation to ensure the successful completion of the 14th Five-Year Energy Plan. Scientifically plan and compile the 15th Five-Year Energy Plan, adhere to the concept of a “comprehensive national energy plan,” and coordinate the preparation of provincial-level energy plans.
Uphold the Primary Responsibility for Energy Security to Fully Enhance Supply Assurance Capabilities
Sight of worst-case scenarios should not be lost and strategic resolve should be maintained, so as to fully accomplish energy supply tasks. Effectively utilize coal and coal-fired power as foundational guarantees, promote the increase and production of oil and gas reserves, enhance energy reserve capabilities, and continuously advance the development of monitoring and early warning systems.
Adhere to Green and Low-Carbon Transformation to Continuously Optimize and Adjust the Energy Structure
Vigorously promote the development and utilization of wind and PV power, balance hydropower development with ecological protection, actively and safely develop nuclear power in an orderly manner, and coordinate the advancement of the new power system development.
Accelerate Technological Self-Reliance and Strong Development of New Productive Forces in the Energy Sector
Enhance the management of major national science and technology projects, continuously advance the demonstration of major technological equipment breakthroughs, and strengthen technological innovation and standardized management.
Maintain a Problem-Oriented Approach to Enhance the Overall Efficacy of Market Regulation
Enhance comprehensive regulation of the electricity sector and advance specialized oversight across the energy field. Strengthen the rigor and effectiveness of regulatory measures to ensure the implementation and efficacy of national energy policies, while bolstering public energy security.
Establish a Philosophy of Safe Development to Fully Ensure Power Safety Regulation
Improve the power safety governance system, organize specialized power safety regulation efforts, and ensure the security of the power network.
Consolidate and Deepen International Energy Cooperation to Accelerate the Establishment of a Multi-Dimensional and Diverse Cooperation Framework
Enhance the capability to secure overseas energy resources, strengthen risk prevention in energy cooperation, advance green energy collaboration, and actively participate in global energy governance.
Strengthen the Party's Comprehensive Leadership over Energy Work and Persistently implementing the political responsibility of full and rigorous self-governance.
The meeting emphasized that this is a critical period for meeting peak winter energy demand, with the task of ensuring a stable energy supply being especially challenging. The energy system must raise its political awareness, strengthen risk management, and fulfill its responsibilities with greater diligence. It is crucial to closely monitor fluctuations in energy supply and demand, and thoroughly implement all measures related to energy supply assurance. In addition, safety awareness must be enhanced, with comprehensive risk and hazard inspections conducted, key issues addressed promptly, emergency response capabilities reinforced, and efforts made to ensure that the public experiences a warm winter and a peaceful New Year.
Members of the Party Leading Group and the Chief Engineer of the National Energy Administration attended the meeting. Relevant officials from the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group stationed at the National Development and Reform Commission, as well as officials from pertinent departments and bureaus of central and state organs, attended the meeting. Officials from the energy departments of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, leaders from relevant energy enterprises and industry associations, representatives from various departments and dispatched agencies of the National Energy Administration, heads of its directly affiliated institutions, and key personnel from China Energy Media Group attended the meeting. Enditem