The Henan Province Conference on Green and Low-Carbon Transformation Was Held.

On August 18, the province convened a work conference on green and low-carbon transformation, thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization and the important speeches and instructions delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection of Henan. The meeting also made specific arrangements for the in-depth implementation of the green and low-carbon transformation strategy. Lou Yangsheng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, addressed the gathering; Governor Wang Kai presided over the meeting; and Liu Wei, Chairman of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference, attended.

On August 18, the provincial conference on green and low-carbon transformation was held to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization and the important speeches and instructions delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection of Henan. The meeting also made specific arrangements for the in-depth implementation of the green and low-carbon transformation strategy. Lou Yangsheng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, addressed the gathering; Governor Wang Kai presided over the meeting; and Liu Wei, Chairman of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference, attended.

In his address, Lou Yangsheng emphasized the need to focus on key tasks, uphold a systems‑based approach, and strike the right balance among development and emissions reduction, the whole and the part, the immediate and the long term, as well as government and market. He called for building an economic system characterized by green, low‑carbon, and circular development, accelerating the transition to industrial structures, production methods, lifestyles, and spatial patterns that conserve resources and protect the environment, and ensuring continued progress in the green and low‑carbon transformation.

First, we must adhere to the principle of establishing new systems before dismantling old ones, and steadily and orderly adjust the energy structure. We will implement a comprehensive strategy—curbing coal consumption, stabilizing oil supply, increasing natural gas production, expanding electricity imports, and scaling up new energy—to promote the green upgrading of coal and coal-fired power, vigorously develop new energy sources, broaden channels for external energy imports, and accelerate the building of a modern energy system that is clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient. In doing so, we will reduce carbon emissions while ensuring energy security and the stability of industrial and supply chains, thereby safeguarding the normal production and daily life of the people.

Second, we must prioritize energy efficiency and advance energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industries. We will strengthen energy‑efficiency constraints, strictly regulate “high‑energy‑consumption, high‑emission, low‑efficiency” projects, and, guided by the principles of greenness, efficiency, cleanliness, and smart technologies, accelerate the green transformation of priority sectors. We will vigorously develop the circular economy, adopt tailored policies for each industry and each enterprise, and swiftly improve the energy‑use efficiency of traditional industries, thereby creating additional room for energy consumption to support economic and social development.

Third, we must strengthen innovation-driven development and accelerate the advancement of green and low-carbon technologies. By seizing technological innovation as a key leverage point, we will promote the establishment of innovation platforms such as green and low-carbon technology innovation centers, key laboratories, and pilot-scale test bases; intensify efforts to tackle critical bottlenecks and develop iterative and disruptive technologies; prioritize open innovation; bolster talent recruitment and training; and expedite the research, development, and widespread application of green and low-carbon technologies, thereby enhancing the green content of growth through higher levels of scientific and technological advancement.

Fourth, we must engage in forward-looking planning and strategic deployment to foster and expand green, low-carbon industries. Building on our province’s industrial strengths and market advantages, we will focus on emerging sectors such as next-generation information technology, new energy, new materials, high-end equipment, and new-energy vehicles, while also targeting cutting-edge areas like hydrogen energy utilization, energy storage, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. We will work to strengthen, extend, and complete industrial chains, cultivate green, low-carbon industrial clusters and ecosystems, and strive to take the lead on new tracks and seize opportunities in emerging fields.

— Reprinted from the 8th issue of 2022 of the “Henan Nonferrous Metals Industry Brief”