2010-04-22 22:50

BEIJING  - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday called for more efforts to develop renewable energy in an effort to cope with rising domestic fuel demand and severe energy shortages.

"We must accelerate the development and use of renewable energies to ensure the country's energy security and better cope with climate change," Wen said at the first meeting of the National Energy Commission in Beijing.

China should take measures to ensure non-fossil fuels would account for 15 percent of China's energy consumption in 2020, he said.

Wen said the country would make it a binding target to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product by 40 percent to 45 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels.

"The target will be incorporated into the country's long-term economic and social development plan," he said.

Wen also urged more efforts to enhance innovative capacity on energy technology to promote sustainable social and economic development.

The government set up the National Energy Commission, a government agency headed by Premier Wen Jiabao, in January to better coordinate energy policy.

The commission is responsible for drafting the national energy development plan, reviewing energy security and major energy issues and coordinating domestic energy development and international cooperation.