New energy ministry headed by Wen

Premier Wen Jiabao will head a newly established "super ministry," the National Energy Commission (NEC), with vice-Premier Li Keqiang as deputy, state media reported. The new government agency has been set up to "take charge of the contry’s energy policy for better coordination in formulating strategy and planning development" and will include members representing the National Development and Reform Comission, the MInistry of Finance, and the central bank. According to the State Council, or cabinet, the NEC’s responsibilities include drafting national energy development plans and coordinating international cooperation. Several multi-billion dollar deals have been struck by state-owned oil companies and off-shore sources to secure the nation’s energy sources while Beijing continues to lower its energy intensity and reduce carbon emissions.