The National Energy Work Conference was held on the 7th of January. The conference proposed to promote energy revolution in production and consumption, to control total energy consumption, to optimize energy structure, and to change the mode of energy development. It proposed to seize the opportunity in pushing forward the energy system reform, and to ensure the country's energy security. In addition, the latest data released by the National Energy Board show that by the end of 2012, China has become the world's first largest energy producer. Total installed power generation capacity reached 1.14 billion kilowatts in China. Installed hydropower capacity reached 249 million kilowatts, ranking the first in the world. Installed wind power capacity reached 63 million kilowatts, ranking China the top of the world. Installed photovoltaic capacity reached 7 million kilowatts. China also ranks first in the world in nuclear power construction scale.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Annual Work Conference set requirements for 2013. It proposed to continue “adjusting and optimizing the industrial structure”, in order to “resolve the problem of excess production capacity”. The MIIT made it clear that it would develop a targeted program of work and effective measures with the aim to absorb some production capacity, to transfer some capacity, to integrate some capacity, and to eliminate some capacity. Miao Wei, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, said that in 2013 the ministry will accelerate mergers and reorganizations of overcapacities in some industries. It will publish guidance on the implementation of key industry mergers and acquisitions.

The General Office of the State Council issued on the 6th a document entitled “Assessment Methods on Implementing the Most Stringent Water Management System” (hereafter referred to as Assessment Methods) and made it clear that the State Council will be assessing each province, autonomous region and municipality on their implementation of the most stringent water management system. The objectives of the Assessment Methods include "three red lines" of control indicators and stage management objectives for each level of the local government. System building and the actual situation of the implementation of measures, including total water control system, water use efficiency control system, pollution control system in water function areas, water resources management responsibilities and assessment system construction and the implementation of other related measures.