Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed efforts to advance the construction of a new-type power grid and accelerate the adjustment and optimization of the energy structure.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a field survey in southwest China's Sichuan Province from Monday to Wednesday.

Li visited the cities of Chengdu and Deyang and inspected enterprises engaged in new energy development and related equipment manufacturing.

He noted that advancements in photovoltaic technology over recent years have effectively improved solar energy utilization. He called for strong support for enterprises to pursue innovations, increase R and D investment, overcome key technological bottlenecks, integrate various application scenarios, and accelerate the large-scale adoption of new technologies.

At the Yalong Hydro, Li learned about integrated hydro, wind and solar projects as well as the province's new-type power grid construction. He underscored that building modern grids is vital for energy security and green development, urging Sichuan to lead in clean energy development and new-type grid construction, while driving related industries forward.

During visits to SINOMACH Heavy Equipment Group Co., Ltd., and Dongfang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd., two major equipment manufacturers in Deyang City, Li inspected nuclear power and hydropower equipment and core components.

He encouraged the companies to target cutting-edge science and technology and market demand, integrate artificial intelligence with manufacturing, thus achieving new breakthroughs in clean energy equipment.

Li also visited the Zipingpu water control project on the Minjiang River, where he inspected the reservoir area and learned about the province's water conservancy construction before touring the Dujiangyan irrigation system. He noted that water management is an undertaking that will benefit generations to come and called for efforts to carry forward and develop the wisdom of water management.

Li stressed accelerating the modernization of water conservancy facilities and better leveraging their comprehensive functions in flood control, irrigation, water supply, power generation and ecological conservation.

In Guanghan, the Chinese premier inspected a demonstration zone for improving wheat yields. Noting that it is currently the crucial period for spring plowing and sowing, he urged efforts to seize the farming season by ensuring the supply of agricultural materials and technical services, increasing the application of new technologies and equipment like smart agricultural machinery, and implementing high-standard field management. He also called for stronger support for grain growers to advance the breeding of superior seeds and continuously enhance the capacity to ensure food security.