China's energy use to grow 4.5% in the next 20 years

Energy demand will peak between 2030 and 2035.

Zhong Ziran, chief engineer of the Ministry of Land and Resources, estimated the growth of China’s energy consumption at 4.5% annually in the next 20 years. China’s cumulative demand for coal, oil and natural gas stood at 82.6 billion tonnes, 12 billion tonnes and 5.8 trillion cubic meters, respectively.

In 2012, China consumed 3.62 billion tonnes of standard coal equivalent, up 3.9% year-on-year.

Over 60% of the electric power driving China's economy comes from coal. Oil and natural gas accounted for roughly 20% of the energy consumption.

China's dependence rates on imports of crude oil and natural gas stood at 56.6% and 29%, respectively, posing severe challenges for the country's energy security.