China says it will promote the transformation/upgrading of energy production, consumption, and safeguard energy security in a bid to improve people’s livelihood, according to a meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang.

Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Friday said guaranteeing the nation’s energy supply was a long-term strategic task.

“As coal accounts for a major part of China’s energy consumption, efforts are needed to make scientific coal exploration plans and promote green coal mining, Li said.

“To further diversify the energy supply, the country will strengthen domestic oil and gas exploration, deepen international oil and gas cooperation, and foster the development of renewable energy such as hydropower and wind power, Keqiang said.

Keqiang also stressed the need for facilitating energy savings by enhancing energy conservation in key areas including transportation and construction, advocating green lifestyles and consumer culture and promoting the application of energy-saving products.

The meeting, however, also demanded innovation in high-quality energy development.

He said market-oriented reforms in the energy sector should be further promoted, calling for widening market access in many areas such as oil and gas exploration and liquified natural gas receiving stations.

The meeting also called for tangible measures to fulfill the energy needs of the upcoming winter heating season.

“The supply of natural gas should be guaranteed by coordinating its production, storage, transportation and sales, while coal supply for heating in the country’s northeastern provinces should be safeguarded,“ he said.

Vice Premier Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice Head, National Energy Committee, was also in attendance.