China has released its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) during the country’s annual “Two Sessions” meetings, setting out economic and industrial priorities for the next five years.
While the plan confirms continued expansion of renewable energy and a carbon-intensity reduction target of 17%, notably lower than the previous carbon intensity target.
The plan stops short of outlining the structural changes needed to put China firmly on a path toward declining emissions this decade, referring to peak instead of previous language to phase down coal.
The announcement comes as the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People's Congress (NPC) meet in Beijing, gatherings that traditionally set the direction for major policy priorities, including energy and climate strategy.
