Powering the Future: China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the Transformation of Its New Energy System

The "Recommendations of the Communist Party of China Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development" released on October 28 explicitly calls for "accelerating the construction of a new energy system." This system prioritizes non-fossil energy as the primary supply source, uses fossil fuels as backup, relies on a new power system as a critical support，and promotes green, smart, and efficient energy consumption. Its implementation will drive a green and low-carbon energy transition, support carbon peak and neutrality goals, and enhance national energy security. By the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), newly added electricity demand will be met mostly by clean energy generation, marking a historic shift in China's energy supply structure.

This represents a significant upgrade from the "modern energy system" of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). Non-fossil energy, previously an important component, will become the dominant supply source. By July 2025, China's renewable energy installed capacity reached 2.17 billion kW, with wind and solar power exceeding 570 million kW and 1.1 billion kW respectively, doubling since 2020. Non-fossil energy now accounts for over 60% of total installed capacity. Coal power, once the backbone, will transition to a backup role, supporting grid stability through flexibility improvements. For example, over 485 million kW of coal-fired units underwent integrated upgrades during the first two years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, enhancing their adaptability to intermittent renewable energy.

The new power system will play a pivotal role, focusing on ensuring green power generation, grid integration, and end-user reliability. Key measures include developing pumped storage and new energy storage, with a target of adding over 100 million kW of new storage capacity from 2025-2027. This aligns with the "New Energy Storage Scaling Action Plan (2025-2027)" aiming for 180 million kW of installed storage by 2027. Meanwhile, green industries are booming, with China's low-carbon sector valued at 11 trillion yuan ($1.5 trillion) and expected to double in five years. Initiatives like 100 national zero-carbon parks will drive innovation, while energy consumption greening and electrification efforts expand the transition to end-users. From "modern" to "new," this evolution reflects a comprehensive transformation toward a sustainable, secure, and technologically advanced energy future.