Prospect of China's energy conservation and emission reduction during the remaining years of the 12th Five-Year Plan period

China has set controlling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a key task and an essential part of economic development and industrial upgrading for energy saving and climate change mitigation. Energy conservation has been given great attention since the beginning of the 11th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period (2006-2010), and in 2011, specific goals have been made for reduction of energy intensity and carbon intensity for the 12th FYP period (2011-2015). In this study, according to the regional data of the first two years of the 12th FYP period, current situations of energy conservation and emission reduction in China and its provinces were analysed. Recommendations for 2013-2015 are discussed based on continuing goals, economic and natural conditions. Shifting of energy consuming structure is primarily discussed as one of the main approaches, and alternate methods of energy restructure are suggested due to the limitation of natural resources in China.