China, the world’s largest energy consumer, has ordered the economically prosperous coastal regions to set specific coal use reduction targets, part of the government’s efforts to curb worsening air pollution and optimize the country’s energy structure, authorities said.

The Yangzte Delta’s Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, along with Pearl River Delta’s Guangdong were instructed to submit their targets of coal use reduction by the end of June this year, according to an official document released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) on January 14.

Northern China’s Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei and Shandong have already set their targets in September 2013, aiming to reduce their coal consumption in 2017 by 13 million tonnes, 10 million tonnes, 40 million tonnes and 20 million tonnes from their 2012 levels, respectively, said the NDRC.

The country also targets to bring the share of coal in total energy consumption down to below 62% by 2020.

With key focus on outdated capacities in energy-intensive industries, the document puts forward specific measures to reduce coal use in thermal power, steel, cement and coke-making sectors.

These measures include the elimination of capacities with low efficiency, upgrading existing facilities and equipment, and shifting fuel source from coal to natural gas and electricity.

It further suggests substituting coal with alternatives and renewable energy sources, such as nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal power.