Outlook 2022: China’s mixed messages and changing paradigm
The Asian giant may need to increase coal supply to outlast the winter, but it is clearly greening its long-term energy policy
The severe power outages that have plagued China since September, and the government’s subsequent focus on supply security, are raising questions about whether the country is committed to its targets of peaking emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon-neutrality by 2060 (the so-called 30-60 targets). The short answer is that Beijing is not backing away from its longer-term commitments. But as the power crisis highlights, it must balance them with short-term realities. And in China’s energy-intensive post-pandemic recovery, securing reliable, affordable and clean energy supplies has become increasingly challenging. In 2022, China will grapple with reliability, as power outages are likely to
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






