Professor Lin Zhang Featured in New Energy World on China’s 15th Five-Year Energy Plan

Prof. Lin Zhang, Professor in Sustainable Development and Energy Policy at the School of Energy and Environment (SEE), was recently featured in New Energy World, a publication by the Energy Institute, for his expert insights on China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and its implications for energy policy and global sustainability.

New Energy World is a leading publication by the Energy Institute that provides authoritative insights into the global energy industry’s transition toward net zero. It serves as a platform for thought leadership, highlighting innovations and critical developments shaping the future of energy systems.

In the interview, Prof. Zhang described the new plan as a transformative milestone for China’s energy system. He highlighted the expected full marketisation of power generation, which will enable coal and renewable energy producers to compete in wholesale markets, driving efficiency and innovation. He also noted that China’s Emissions Trading System will expand, making carbon reduction targets binding and fully integrated into national economic planning—accelerating industrial decarbonisation and compliance.

Prof. Zhang emphasized a strategic shift from capacity expansion to efficiency improvement, supported by inter-regional transmission projects to reduce renewable curtailment. Beyond domestic reforms, he predicted that China’s renewable technology exports will grow significantly, particularly to Belt and Road countries, influencing energy transitions worldwide.

These developments underscore China’s pivotal role in shaping the global energy transition while balancing energy security, sustainability, and market-oriented reforms.

To read the full interview, please visit https://knowledge.energyinst.org/new-energy-world/article?id=139847.