China launches three-year plan to cut energy use and carbon emissions in steel, cement, and coal power sectors

China has announced a three-year action plan starting in 2026 to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions across nine high-emission industries, including steel, cement, electrolytic aluminum, flat glass, oil refining, ethylene, synthetic ammonia, methanol, and coal-fired power. The plan, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, sets specific upgrade tasks for each sector and aims to boost energy and carbon efficiency while advancing green development. The initiative targets the end of 2028 with goals to expand investment in efficiency upgrades, drive industrial modernization, and support China's 2030 carbon peak target. It includes funding mechanisms, price signals, policy incentives, and standards to enforce compliance. This is part of China's broader dual carbon goals of peaking emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, backed by the world's largest renewable energy system.