China’s Clean Technology Recommendations for Their Next 5-Year Plan – CleanTechnica

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Earlier this week, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China met in a plenary session and developed recommendations for the nation’s 15^th five-year plan, which would run through 2030. There are many aspects of the recommendations that could be explored in more depth, but several of the recommendations are specifically relevant to clean technology. Regardless of how you feel about China or their political system, they lead in many aspects of renewable energy and electric vehicles, and their national plans have global implications.

In looking through the coverage, much of it seemed to focus on the outline bullet points, without the underlying context. As a result, they often added in assumptions that did not reflect the actual recommendations. As the recommendations were published (toward the bottom of the page), the most relevant sections to cleantech are quoted below. I added a few notes, but found it interesting to see the actual recommendation text, starting with the economy and manufacturing:

It was noted that we should build a modernized industrial system and reinforce the foundations of the real economy. To this end, we should keep our focus on the real economy, continue to pursue smart, green, and integrated development, and work faster to boost China’s strength in manufacturing, product quality, aerospace, transportation, and cyberspace. The share of manufacturing in the national economy should be kept at an appropriate level, and a modernized industrial system should be developed with advanced manufacturing as the backbone. We should upgrade traditional industries, foster emerging industries and industries of the future, promote high-quality, efficient development in the service sector, and develop a modernized infrastructure system.

Essentially, China is planning to stay the course with an economy based on manufacturing that is moving up the value chain while reducing environmental impact. The term “real economy” focuses on the production and consumption of goods and services, as opposed to an economy based on financial mechanisms that look good on paper but tend to have less impact on people. Modernization of systems and infrastructure should improve performance, while regulation is implied to maintain “appropriate levels.” The following paragraph emphasizes fuel behind that modernization and growth:

It was stated that we should achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology and steer the development of new quality productive forces. We must seize the historic opportunity presented by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation to boost China’s strength in education, science and technology, and human resources in a well-coordinated manner. We should enhance the overall performance of China’s innovation system, raise our innovation capacity across the board, strive to take a leading position in scientific and technological development, and keep fostering new quality productive forces. We should promote advances in original innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, facilitate full integration between technological and industrial innovation, pursue integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent, and advance the Digital China Initiative.

Out of all that, the term that made headlines here was “self-reliance.” The document seemed more focused on technological and industrial transformation. That does create a contrast to the US war on science. But if you just read the headlines, it makes it seem that the technological progress would be exclusive. However, a few paragraphs later:

It was also stated that we should promote high-standard opening up and create new horizons for mutually beneficial cooperation. We should continue to expand opening up at the institutional level, safeguard the multilateral trading system, and promote broader international economic flows. We should advance reform and development through greater openness and seek to share opportunities and achieve common development with the rest of the world. We should take the initiative to open China wider, promote the innovative development of trade, create greater space for two-way investment cooperation, and pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

In context, more attention is paid to “opening up” than the brief mention of “self-reliance.” They seem more focused on “common development with the rest of the world.” A more “multilateral” approach. In terms of the focus of China’s development:

It was pointed out that we should accelerate the green transition in all areas of economic and social development in an effort to build a Beautiful China. We must unwaveringly uphold the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and put it into concrete action. Guided by our goals of achieving peak carbon and carbon neutrality, we should make concerted efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development, and boost economic growth. We must reinforce our ecological security shields and strengthen our green development drivers. We should press ahead with the critical battle against pollution and the drive to upgrade ecosystems, move faster to develop a new energy system, work actively and prudently toward peak carbon emissions, and accelerate the shift to eco-friendly production practices and lifestyles.

Unlike some countries, China continues to acknowledge climate change and the recommendations intend to “accelerate the green transition.” Not only because it is the right thing to do, but also to support economic growth. Perhaps the most hawkish language in the document pertains to “ecological security shields” and the “battle against pollution.” China already has a reputation for moving fast. But they are planning to move even faster.

China is Moving Ahead on Cleantech. With or Without Us.

China already leads in many aspects of clean technology. The recommendations are poised to extend that lead and to increase cleantech deployment globally. Whether you see that as scary or encouraging will depend on your perspective. However, while some are stalling or reversing on clean technology, China is planning to accelerate cleantech with or without them. Whether countries and companies try to compete, collaborate or deny the progress, the progress will still happen. Those who do not move quickly now will be left behind.