While China tries to limit its total energy consumption to an equivalent of 4 billion tonnes of standard coal in 2015, the actual figure may reach 5.1 billion if left uncontrolled, according to a report released on Monday by the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

"China's economy is now in a situation where its development must be restructured. The high cost of energy, unsound structure, low efficiency and energy safety are among the prominent issues in our country's energy development," read the report entitled "Research Report on China's Mid-term and Long-term Energy Development Strategy."

The report urged that energy be used based on "scientific supply and reasonable needs."

Statistics from the report show that the country's annual energy consumption stood at 3.25 billion tonnes of standard coal last year. The figure is expected to hit 5.1 billion in 2015 if the current situation remains unchanged.

The report, however, said that it was a "proper goal" for China to keep the energy consumption at 4 billion tonnes of standard coal in 2015.

According to the report, China's energy development is projected to experience a "historic transition" around 2030 when its consumption of coal becomes restrained, the emission of carbon dioxide reaches its peak and energy-saving capacities around the world reaches an advanced level.

The report, which is based on a major consultative project launched by the CAE in January 2008, called for the strengthening of the use of natural gas and other non-fossil energy sources and forcing local governments and companies to practice energy savings and emissions reductions by drafting more laws and regulations.