Wen heads 'super ministry' for energy

An overarching government agency has been set up to take charge of the country’s energy policy for better coordination in formulating strategy and planning development.

Premier Wen Jiabao will head the agency, called the National Energy Commission (NEC), and Vice-Premier Li Keqiang will be the deputy, the State Council, or the Cabinet, announced yesterday.

The commission will be responsible for drafting national energy development plans, reviewing energy security and coordinating international cooperation, it said yesterday.

The NEC has 21 members, including ministers from various organizations such as the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Finance, as well as a representative from the central bank.

Industry insiders said the move means energy has been identified as key to the future development of the country, which is now the world’s second-largest energy consumer.

China Daily