Energy-saving equipment aimed at accelerating the sector's intelligent transformation, high-quality development and green upgrading has been thrust into the spotlight after an action plan by four Chinese government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Energy Administration, was recently issued.

As defined in the plan, energy-saving equipment refers to products and devices designed and manufactured using advanced technologies that enhance energy efficiency, and reduce energy consumption and loss, across the entire energy production and utilization process.

The plan prioritizes six specific categories of energy-saving equipment: energy-efficient motors, transformers, industrial heat pumps, industrial refrigeration and heating equipment, water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, and information and communication equipment. Driving energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industrial sectors is set as the objective, which will adopt green design and manufacturing, equipment renewal and retrofitting, and AI empowerment as the core pathways.

By 2028, notable breakthroughs will be made in key materials and core components for energy-saving equipment, according to the plan. The compatibility and actual operational efficiency of energy-utilization systems in key industrial sectors are projected to improve continuously.

The energy efficiency levels of equipment such as motors and transformers are expected to reach internationally leading standards, while the market share of energy-saving equipment is anticipated to increase further.

The plan outlines a systematic deployment of tasks covering several key areas, such as promotion of advanced energy-saving equipment, and advancing the digital upgrading of energy-saving equipment.

It specifically calls for accelerating the R&D of new materials, components, and products — targeting higher efficiency and performance — that meet market demands and demonstrate outstanding energy-saving effects.

Accelerating the high-quality development of energy-saving equipment is a crucial measure for boosting industrial energy efficiency and achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Furthermore, it serves as a fundamental pillar for meeting the growing energy consumption demands of society as a whole, while safeguarding national energy security.

The release of this plan will drive the high-quality development of energy-saving equipment and accelerate the advancement of new industrialization.