China, the world's second-biggest energy consumer after the US, plans to invest CNY 2.37 trillion (USD 375.6 billion) in major energy-saving projects during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015), state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
The projects are expected to save the country an equivalent of 300 million tons of coal during the five-year period, according to the document released by the State Council, China's cabinet.
To achieve the goals, the State Council has asked local authorities to strictly carry out the policies it detailed in the document, including optimizing industrial structures, restraining growth in energy-gobbling sectors, and stepping up environmental assessments for new projects, the report said.
To ensure the implementation of the policies, the State Council said in the document that it will organize annual provincial-level evaluations and hold those who fail to meet the standards accountable.
Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
23 August
