Beijing: Two decades of green progress in the Asia-Pacific region highlight a significant transformation in energy use and environmental protection. Energy, as a cornerstone of this transformation, has seen APEC economies commit to improving efficiency and reducing energy intensity, which is the amount of energy used per unit of GDP. In 2011, APEC economies set a target to reduce energy intensity by 45% by 2035, using 2005 levels as a baseline.
According to Lao News Agency, the APEC Energy Review 2025 indicates that the region is on track to achieve this target by 2032, three years ahead of schedule. Presently, APEC economies represent approximately 56% of global energy demand and 60% of CO2 emissions. Despite challenges, including the post-pandemic rebound in energy use and global market disruptions, the region’s concerted efforts have effectively avoided billions of tons of emissions and saved trillions of dollars in energy costs.
China has emerged as a significant contributor to this green transition within APEC. The State Council of China reports that the country’s energy consumption per unit of GDP decreased by 11.6% from 2021 to 2024, equating to a reduction of approximately 1.1 billion tonnes of CO2, nearly half of the European Union’s annual emissions.
In addition to industrial efficiency, China’s natural ecosystems are significantly contributing. Data from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration reveals that China’s stock volume has surpassed 20 billion cubic meters, with these natural carbon sinks absorbing about 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 each year, equivalent to around 3% of global emissions.
China is also investing in next-generation clean energy technologies to further reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. A notable example is the development of green hydrogen. The country’s first large-scale green hydrogen project, with an annual output of over 10,000 tonnes, marks a significant milestone. This initiative aligns with APEC’s recognition of green hydrogen last year as a potential key driver for the region’s low-carbon transition.
