With primary energy consumption second only to that of the United States, China is an energy superpower and the world's largest potential market for energy. It is the world's third largest producer of energy, the largest producer of coal and the sixth largest producer of crude oil.
China leads the world in biomass consumption.
There has been for some time a clear need for a thorough and independent survey of China's efforts to ensure secure and sufficient energy supplies. And today, the International Energy Agency launches a new report, China's Worldwide Quest for Energy Security, in the presence of His Excellency Wu Jian the Ambassador of the Chinese People's Republic to France. This publication examines the efforts of Chinese leaders who have scoured the world for dependable and affordable oil imports. It considers the country's ultimate role in the world energy system. It raises the question whether China's efforts will divert oil and other energies away from OECD Member countries and whether it will act as a responsible international citizen, working to fit into established patterns of energy trade and investment.