Η China will increase consumption this year carbon, in order to support its economic recovery after the shortages electricity faced last year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced, despite Beijing's commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The country was severely affected last summer by the global increase in raw material prices, especially coal., on which it depends for 60% to supply its power generation plants.
This situation forced factories to reduce production despite high demand and authorities to implement rolling blackouts, while sharply increasing production costs for businesses.
Since then, the situation has stabilized.
Energy security must be «maintained,» Keqiang stressed on Tuesday, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
«Coal supplies will increase and coal-fired power plants will be helped to operate at maximum capacity in order to generate more electricity,» he added.
The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, had committed to reducing his country's carbon dioxide emissions before 2030.
China ranks first worldwide in investments in clean energy sources, but the Asian giant remains the country that produces the highest percentage of carbon dioxide worldwide and is the most polluting.
According to official data, coal consumption in China increased by 4.7% last year compared to 2020.
