China plans to put more focus on boosting domestic projects to cut its growing dependence on gas imports as the security of its energy supply comes under the spotlight amid an ongoing trade war with the United States, according to Reuters.
A new government research report, released on Saturday, shows the row with the U.S. has overshadowed China’s economy, likely slowing gas demand considerably this year. According to the report, China’s gas consumption will rise by about 10% this year to 310 billion cubic meters (bcm), and to continue growing until 2050. Though slowing from last year’s 17.5%, 2019’s growth still represents an annual addition of 28 bcm, faster than the annual average growth of 19 bcm during 2007-2018, the report said.
In light of these findings, an increased focus has been put on efforts to boost domestic production, particularly from so-called unconventional sources like shale gas, as weaning China off its import reliance takes on new importance.
Learn more: Reuters > China aims to rev up shale gas drive, wean itself off imports amid U.S. trade row
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