China Revamps Renewable Energy Law

Originally published 28 January 2010

Keywords: China, energy law, National People's Congress, NPC, Renewable Energy, REL Amendments

The National People's Congress ("NPC") Standing Committee adopted amendments to the Renewable Energy Law ("REL Amendments") on 26 December 2009, although they will not become effective until 1 April 2010. The Renewable Energy Law ("REL"), which came into effect in January 2006, has provided legislative guidelines for the emerging renewable energy sector in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"). Since the implementation of the REL, there have been significant developments in the renewable energy sector, particularly with respect to wind and solar power. A number of inefficiencies in the REL arose with the rapid expansion of the renewable energy industry in the PRC.