By LI Linxu

As an important initiative to advance rural revitalization, energy revolution in rural China is gaining momentum with a pilot scheme to promote the development of renewable energy.

The pilot scheme is tasked with establishing diversified energy supply systems, promoting clean and effective energy utilization, boosting the smart level of energy use, and improving services for clean energy projects, according to a notice jointly released by four government bodies including the National Energy Administration (NEA) and the National Rural Revitalization Administration (NRRA).

By 2025, renewable energy is expected to account for more than 30 percent of the total consumption of primary energy in pilot counties, and more than 60 percent of the increase in their primary energy consumption, according to the policy.

A centralized photovoltaic power station in Tongwei county, Gansu province. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

Relevant departments from provincial-level governments are responsible for recommending pilot counties and submitting their development plans for evaluation and approval by the end of May this year.

In their development plans, the subjects of energy supply revolution, energy consumption revolution, energy technology revolution, and energy system revolution in rural areas have to be covered in detail.

Pilot counties are urged to fully leverage local advantages of energy resources, innovate the development and utilization models of renewable energy, and promote green development in rural areas.

Under the pilot scheme, the investment modes, land use mechanisms, and income distribution patterns of renewable energy projects will be optimized in rural areas, so as to expand employment opportunities and boost the income of farmers.

The policy is a follow-up to the 20th CPC National Congress report, which vowed to promote clean, low-carbon, and high-efficiency energy use, and thoroughly advance the energy revolution.

In recent years, China has rolled out a series of policies and measures to promote the development of renewable energy.

China has said it aims for a 50 percent increase in renewable energy generation during 2021-2025, with much of this to be installed in rural areas.