Future Energy Takes Top Spot in China’s Forward-Looking Industry Layout

This year’s Government Work Report has proposed fostering the development of future industries, including future energy, quantum technology, embodied intelligence, brain-computer interfaces and 6G. Notably, "future energy" has been included in the report for the first time and ranked first among these cutting-edge tracks, raising questions about why it has taken precedence and its significance to national development.

With new energy sources such as photovoltaic power, wind power and electric vehicles having become ubiquitous in recent years, many people wonder what differentiates future energy from existing options. In simple terms, future energy is an upgraded, forward-looking and disruptive version of new energy. It encompasses not only the familiar wind and solar power generation but also a full-chain system integrating controlled nuclear fusion, green hydrogen, long-duration advanced energy storage, next-generation renewable energy, and the in-depth integration of energy and digital technologies. Its core lies in breaking the limitations of traditional energy through disruptive technologies, building a clean, safe, sustainable and intelligent new energy ecosystem, and serving as a core engine for supporting the new energy system and nurturing new-quality productive forces.

Placing future energy at the top of the future industry list is no accident but a strategic choice based on current realities and long-term perspectives. On one hand, it safeguards energy security, a cornerstone of national development. As the lifeblood of industry and the nation, energy security is crucial for steady progress in a complex international landscape. Despite the steady improvement in energy self-sufficiency, the country’s resource endowment of "abundant coal, insufficient oil and gas" and the persistently high external dependence on oil and gas remain potential concerns. Developing future energy helps reduce excessive reliance, build an independent, controllable and diversified energy supply system, and firmly grasp the initiative in development.

On the other hand, it advances the path of green transition. Energy holds the key to achieving the "dual carbon" goals and promoting ecological civilization. The environmental pressures brought by traditional high-carbon energy can only be addressed by zero-carbon and low-carbon future energy. Existing technologies are insufficient to achieve deep green transition; for instance, wind and solar power generation are unstable and have low energy density. Future energy, by resolving the "impossible trinity" of energy security, economy and greenness, will serve as the ultimate engine for deep decarbonization and green development transformation.

More importantly, it helps seize the high ground in global competition. The global energy pattern is shifting from resource-driven to technology-driven, and whoever takes the lead in breaking through core future energy technologies will gain the right to speak in the industry and lay a solid foundation for other high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence and data centers. China has already taken a leading position globally in photovoltaic power, wind power and energy storage, but these energy forms still have drawbacks. Controlled nuclear fusion, for example, boasts high energy density, abundant raw materials, low radioactive pollution and high safety, and its mature application could provide humanity with nearly unlimited clean energy. Developing future energy is therefore essential to transforming existing advantages into decisive ones, building world-class industrial clusters, fostering new engines of economic growth, and enabling Chinese standards, technologies and equipment to lead the global energy revolution.

Cultivating and developing future energy requires targeted and steady efforts to lay a solid foundation. Technological breakthroughs are the core priority, focusing on key areas such as controlled nuclear fusion, advanced energy storage, green hydrogen production and high-end energy materials. Collaboration between research institutes and leading enterprises should be supported to build high-level innovation platforms and promote original and leading technological advancements.

Full industrial chain cultivation provides support for strengthening the industrial ecosystem. Adhering to the principle of "establishing new forms before abolishing old ones", efforts will be made to promote the coordinated development of wind, solar, hydropower, nuclear power, hydrogen and energy storage, accelerate the construction of large-scale clean energy bases, and improve supporting systems such as smart power grids, energy storage facilities and transportation pipelines. The entire chain from R&D and manufacturing to application and services will be connected, nurturing specialized, refined, distinctive and innovative enterprises as well as leading enterprises to form a coordinated industrial ecosystem involving upstream and downstream players and enterprises of all sizes.

Mechanism innovation serves as a guarantee to stimulate vitality. Given the large investment, long cycle and high risks of future energy R&D, a stable investment mechanism and risk-sharing mechanism should be established, industrial funds should be fully utilized, and patient capital should be encouraged to make long-term layouts. More application scenarios will be opened up to drive technological iteration through demand, and the standard and policy systems will be improved to ensure confidence in innovation, smooth industrial implementation and vibrant market dynamics, safeguarding the development of future energy.

Every leap in human civilization, from fire-making to coal exploitation and oil and gas utilization, has been accompanied by energy innovation. As future energy takes root and develops, its potential to shape the future remains to be witnessed.