China has outlined plans to build a new energy system during the 15th "Five-Year Plan" period (2026-2030), targeting enhanced security, cleaner structure and greater innovation, the National Energy Administration said on Aug 13.

By 2030, China's total installed power capacity is expected to reach 5.4 TW, up from over 4 TW currently, with new energy accounting for more than 50% of installed capacity and non-fossil fuel power generation making up 50% of total electricity output, Wang Hongzhi, head of the NEA, told a press conference.

Coal and oil consumption are expected to peak during this period, while the country's comprehensive energy production capacity will reach 5.8 billion tonnes of standard coal, with improved self-sufficiency and more diversified, controllable energy imports.

The plan emphasizes optimizing energy spatial layout, focusing on large-scale non-fossil energy development through "four bases plus distributed" growth platforms to support non-fossil energy consumption reaching 25% of the total.

Key initiatives include building oil and gas strategic reserve bases in the Ordos Basin, optimizing five major coal production bases, and strengthening cross-regional power and gas transmission corridors including west-to-east power and gas transmission projects.

The plan also prioritizes constructing a resilient energy security system, advanced energy infrastructure, and a green, low-carbon consumption system, alongside promoting energy technology innovation and international cooperation.

Major projects include hydropower developments in the Yarlung Zangbo River basin, new energy bases in desert, Gobi and barren areas, integrated hydro-wind-solar bases, offshore wind farms, and coastal nuclear power construction.

The country will also advance electric vehicle charging infrastructure, integrated wind-solar-hydrogen-ammonia-methanol bases, solar thermal power projects, green power direct connection and smart microgrids, with total investment in key energy projects expected to exceed 20 trillion yuan during the period.

Additional priorities include strengthening oil and gas supply security through increased domestic exploration and diversified imports, building a new-type power grid with optimized cross-provincial transmission corridors, and promoting mutual empowerment between AI and the energy sector through digital transformation and computing-power coordination.