Energy conservation programs in China

State-sponsored energy conservation policies and programs have been a key factor in the striking drop in energy intensity of China's economy since the 1980s. China established an extensive administrative structure for energy management that linked the highest policy-making bodies with all the country's major energy-users. A national agency was created to administer large grants and loans for energy-efficiency projects. A network of technical outreach and design centers provided end-users of efficient technologies with crucial information and expertise. Other important measures included energy-efficiency standards, financial incentives, support for research and development and educational programs. The economic system reforms have rendered many of these policies and programs obsolete. China faces great challenges in redirecting policies and institutions to continue pursuing energy efficiency. This a task that is vital to China's long-term economic and environmental health.