April has been an intensive period for climate and energy discussions across China, with numerous high-profile conferences taking place in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. However, the highlight of this month's activities was the National Development and Reform Commission's (NDRC) announcement of a list of standout projects in climate technology.

NDRC published it's first approved low carbon technology projects

The National Development and Reform Commission, in collaboration with relevant departments, has organised the application and selection process for the first batch of green low-carbon advanced technology demonstration projects. 

The goal is to implement the strategic decisions of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, and to accelerate the demonstration application and promotion of green, low-carbon advanced technologies in line with the 'Implementation Plan for Green Low-Carbon Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects' (NDRC Environmental Resources [2023] No. 1093).

After a rigorous selection and review process that included submissions from project entities, recommendations by local authorities, third-party evaluations, departmental and local reviews, and public consultation, they have published the first batch of projects. Read more here.

See the list of projects in English below.

Carbon price has been increasing

On April 23, China’s national carbon market saw its closing price increase for the fifth consecutive day, nearing 100 yuan per ton. It reflected a significant boost from the anticipated implementation of the "Interim Regulation on Carbon Emission Trading Management" effective May 1.

This regulation is expected to solidify legal frameworks and increase market confidence. The market has experienced a near 30% increase in carbon prices this year, with trading volumes also expanding. The average trading price is projected to exceed 200 yuan per ton by 2030, with various industries like cement and aluminum smelting soon to be incorporated into the market. Read more here.

Xiong'an Area in Hebei has published the first local standard for zero carbon building

Last month, the Xiong'an New Area officially released the "Xiong'an New Area Zero-Carbon Building Technical Standards," marking the first local standard for zero-carbon buildings in China. This standard aims to:

  • guide the high-quality development of zero-carbon buildings in Xiong'an
  • promote energy-saving and carbon reduction in the construction sector
  • accelerate the development of nearly zero-energy building demonstration zones, and help establish Xiong'an as a model city for green development

The "Technical Standards" were developed by the Xiong'an New Area Construction and Transportation Management Bureau in collaboration with well-known domestic teams in the zero-carbon field. The standards encompass general principles, terminology, technical indices, carbon reduction in building and regional design, low-carbon construction, grading, renewable energy credits, and carbon credits. Read more here.

Zhongguancun Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Technology Forum was hosted in Beijing

This forum was co-hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Energy Administration, with support from various other institutions on April 26th. The forum focused on the role of energy storage and hydrogen technologies as pivotal solutions within the dual-carbon strategy—aiming to address the large-scale integration of renewable energy and enhancing the reliability and security of energy supply.

This year, the advancement of new energy storage technologies was highlighted for the first time in the government work report. Energy storage, referred to as a key supporting technology in the energy revolution, is seen as essential in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, helping to manage the intermittency and instability of renewable sources. Read more here.

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