China's energy consumption per unit of GDP, a measure known as energy intensity, declined 3.4 percent in the first half of this year, the National Development and Reform Commission said on Friday.  

China aims to cut its energy intensity by 16 percent during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15), according to an energy development plan released by the State Council, China's cabinet, at the beginning of the year.  

According to National Energy Administration data posted on Wednesday, power consumption rose 8.8 percent year-on-year in the first seven months.  

In June, the central government halted new credit for projects in industries with severe overcapacity. As a result, several steel enterprises were reported to have suspended production as their funding conditions deteriorated.