CHINA: China says energy usage fell 1.33 pct in 2006

China says energy usage in 2006 declined 1.33 per cent for the first time in three years, but admits energy saving measures are still inefficient. China revised on Thursday (July 12) the reduction in energy consumption it had achieved in 2006 to 1.33 percent from 1.23 percent reported earlier -- still far off its goal to cut usage by 4 percent. "According to the data on energy consumption for the whole year, energy efficiency had been increased, the consumption patterns had been improved, the energy consumption per unit GDP declined for the first time in the past three years," Xie Fuzhan, commissioner of the National Statistics Bureau told a press conference. Xie said all the regions, except Beijing, missed the energy saving target in 2006, part of a goal to minimise harmful carbon emissions and limit soaring demand for imported resources. "However, it should be noted that, at the current stage, the growth of high energy consuming industries is still fast, the economy still grows in an extensive way. A number of problems still exist at different levels, including poor awareness, poorly defined responsibilities, lack of supporting measures, imperfect policies, unfulfilled input, inefficient coordination and so on. So the situation regarding energy saving and consumption reduction is still severe and the measures are difficult to implement," said Xie Fuzhan. The pressure to reduce its energy consumption has mounted as the world's fourth-largest economy roars. China's economy expanded by 11.1 percent in 2006, its fastest pace in 12 years after an upward revision announced on Wednesday (July 11). Although it failed to reach its target, a reduction in intensity over the second half year may show that Premier Wen Jiabao's efforts to clamp down on wasteful energy users and regional government is yielding results. Wen reiterated his call for local governments to shut polluting plants and encouraged families to save energy at a routine Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, marking his second appeal in just three days aimed at achieving energy efficiency. After decades of promoting economic growth at almost any cost, Beijing has made energy saving and air pollution controls key to officials' career prospects and made leading companies commit to specific efficiency targets. The central government has also set detailed targets for provinces that aim to reflect the industrial base and growth prospects of each region, with less demanding ones for poorer areas.

ITN Source | July 13, 2007

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